July Birthstone: Ruby
July's birthstone is ruby. Ruby is vivid red and traditionally associated with passion, vitality, courage.
Modern U.S. list · reviewed by MyPiece Editorial · 2026-08-04
- Stone
- Ruby
- Colour
- Ruby: vivid red
- Hardness
- Ruby: Mohs 9
- Zodiac
- Cancer · Leo
Ruby
Modern U.S. list · term 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 around Mogok, Myanmar. A historic source of fine red ruby. Ruby is mined around Montepuez, Mozambique. A major modern ruby source.
Mined around Mogok, Myanmar
Mandalay Region · Myanmar
A historic source of fine red ruby.
Mined around Montepuez, Mozambique
Cabo Delgado · Mozambique
A major modern ruby source.
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. This page follows the Jewelers of America modern U.S. list. Ruby is the modern listed stone 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 sourced?
Ruby is mined around Mogok, Myanmar. A historic source of fine red ruby. Ruby is mined around Montepuez, Mozambique. A major modern ruby source.
What is the Cancer and Leo birthstone?
July runs from Cancer into Leo, and ruby serves both in the calendar-month list. Sign-based tables can use different traditions.
Is ruby tough enough for everyday wear?
Ruby is Mohs 9 and is generally more suitable for frequent wear. Hardness is only one care factor, so the setting and the stone's condition still matter.
Sources & further reading
Ruby
- GIA - Ruby Descriptionchecked 2026-08-04
- Wikipedia - Rubychecked 2026-08-04