July Birthstone: Ruby
July's birthstone is ruby. Vivid red, and traditionally a symbol of passion, vitality, courage.
- Stone
- Ruby
- Colour
- vivid red
- Hardness
- Mohs 9
- Zodiac
- Cancer · Leo
Ruby
Ruby and sapphire are the same mineral — corundum; a whisper of chromium is all that turns it red. The finest 'pigeon's blood' reds from Myanmar's Mogok valley are, by weight, among the most valuable substances on earth, outpacing diamond. Heat treatment to deepen colour is routine and accepted; a truly untreated fine ruby is a rarity.
Traditionally a symbol of passion, vitality, courage, and Mohs 9 — tough enough for everyday wear. How to care for it →
Where does ruby come from?
Ruby is mined chiefly in Mogok, Myanmar — the fabled 'pigeon's blood' valley. It's also found in Montepuez, Mozambique.
Mogok, Myanmar
the fabled 'pigeon's blood' valley
Montepuez, Mozambique
the great modern find
Where is ruby cut and traded?
Ruby is cut and traded in Bangkok, Thailand and Mogok, Myanmar.
Modern & traditional
Birthstone lists have shifted across cultures and centuries — the modern one was standardised by the American jewellers' trade in 1912 and updated since. Ruby is the modern choice for July. Ruby has held July on both the modern and traditional lists.
Common questions
What is July's birthstone?
July's birthstone is ruby. Ruby has held July on both the modern and traditional lists.
What colour is July's birthstone?
Ruby is vivid red.
What does July's birthstone mean?
Ruby traditionally stands for passion, vitality, courage — associations carried by custom, not science.
Where is ruby mined?
Chiefly Mogok, Myanmar — the fabled 'pigeon's blood' valley.
What is the Cancer and Leo birthstone?
July runs from Cancer into Leo, and ruby serves both — though sign-based tables can differ from the calendar-month lists.
Is ruby tough enough for everyday wear?
Ruby is Mohs 9, hard enough for daily wear.