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Ruby Crystal Meaning

four women holding ruby stonesDid you know that Rubies are more than the sparkling gemstones you see in the mainstream? There's a whole world of Rubies out there, even affordable ones for your healing practice.  

Get ready to learn all about Ruby crystals, from geological facts to metaphysical healing properties. Watch the video and read up on your favorite precious gemstone! 

Join the Satin Crystals VIP and stay updated on Ruby meanings and specials this month. 

Watch the Ruby Meaning Video

Watch the Ruby Crystal Video for an overview of this precious gemstone and go over the answers to your top 5 questions. We will also show you how to find the stars in your Star Ruby and how to look out for Composite Rubies. 

While you are there, watch the entire A-Z Satin Crystals Meanings video series. We answer your questions on all of the most popular crystals. You can also post your questions and stories directly to the Youtube comments.

Can you benefit from Ruby crystals?

You may benefit from Ruby crystals if you can relate to any of the following:

  • You recognize your royalty

  • You are seeking a leadership stone

  • You want to elevate your thoughts

  • You are activating your Heart and Root chakras

  • You want to feel a passion for life

  • You were born in July (your birthstone!)

  • You are drawn to precious gemstones

Find your perfect pieces in the Satin Crystals Ruby gems and jewelry collection.

hand wearing ruby rings holding stack of ruby hexagons

What is Ruby?

Ruby is one of the four precious gemstones (along with Diamond, Sapphire, and Emerald). It is a red to purple variety of corundum. 

Ruby is a hard stone registering a 9 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness (out of 10). 

What is Ruby named after?

The name Ruby comes from the Latin word ruber meaning red. 

sheila of satin crystals holding two ruby fuchsite eggs

What healing properties does Ruby have?

In crystal healing, Ruby is a powerful stone used to activate your Heart and Root chakras. It is a stone of deep love, working on your self-worth so that you may receive the attention and respect that you deserve. 

Ruby is a stone of royalty, encouraging your leadership skills and protecting you from low-energy thinking. It activates your passions and engages you in the present moment. It is all about following your bliss. 

Ruby's energetic vibrations may be overstimulating to some healers. In this case, Amethyst or other calming Crown chakra stones can be used in combination with the gemstone. 

sheila of satin crystals meditating with ruby fuchsite sphere

How do you use Ruby for crystal healing?

Here are some ideas on how you can use your Ruby crystals for energy healing: 

    • Work with Ruby eggs to smoothly transition through changes

    • Meditate with Ruby when you want to elevate your thinking

    • Lie in a crystal grid with Ruby gemstones to create a royal web around your aura

    • Wear a Ruby pendant to open and balance your Heart chakra

    • Gift Ruby crystals to loved ones to encourage eternal bonds

    • Place Ruby stones in your Fame and Reputation area of your space to boost your esteem

    • Surround your workplace with Ruby spheres to activate your leadership energy

    • Wear Ruby bracelets to activate the Root chakra for vibrant physical energy

    • Use a Ruby wand to stimulate your passion for life

    • Create a crystal grid with Ruby and Howlite stones to focus on progress on your life path

  • Hold tough, raw Rubies as a reminder of your inner strength

  • Wear Ruby earrings to balance your yin and yang energy

What are the types of Ruby?

You will find Ruby in all sorts of red-tinted colors and growing in all sorts of other crystals. Here are some of the types of Ruby you will find: 

ruby seal on rough ruby stone

Red Rubies

Red Rubies range in color from a bright clear red to an opaque, purplish-red. These Rubies may have inclusions that add depth and character to the crystals.

Wear Red Rubies for leadership and igniting passion back into your life.

three ruby fuchsite spheres on stands

Ruby Fuchsite

Fuchsite is a green form of Muscovite Mica which is sometimes found embedded with Red Rubies. The Rubies are usually rimmed with Blue Kyanite. Found in Southern India. Fuchsite is a 2-3 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. 

Ruby Fuchsite is motivational and clears away lazy or procrastinator mentality so that you achieve your goals and dreams. It opens up your Heart chakra to a gush of love. 

ruby kyanite spheres, tower, heart

Ruby Kyanite

This is a stone where dark Red Rubies grow in dark blue Kyanite. Found in Southern India. Kyanite is a 4.5-5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. 

Ruby Kyanite combines the calming energy of Kyanite with the activating energy of Ruby. Together it helps quiet your mind so you can hear the solutions to your problems. It is for truth-seekers and those who want to develop their intuition. 

ruby zoisite ring and bracelets

Ruby Zoisite

Ruby Zoisite is a dark green crystal with black Hornblende minerals and the occasional red Ruby inclusion. It will not show the Blue Kyanite rim like Ruby Fuchsite.

Ruby Zoisite is sometimes called Anyolite. It is rarer than Ruby in Fuchsite and comes mainly from Northern Tanzania. Zoisite is a 6.5-7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. 

Ruby Zoisite is an excellent crystal for increasing spiritual awareness. The combination of stones allows you to go into a deep trance state and amplify your aura. It is used to heal the soul in past life regressions. 

flashlight on star ruby ring

Star Rubies

Star Rubies are natural Rubies that show asterism. Asterism is a phenomenon where a star-like visual effect dances over the stone's surface. A flashlight or single source of light is used to best see the star effect. Watch our Ruby Meanings video for an example of Star Rubies. 

Star Ruby allows you to focus on your goals. The mesmerizing asterism puts you in a meditative trance helps tune in to your manifestation desires. 

Sheila's personal experience with Ruby crystals

Like most people who know little about the crystal world, to me, Rubies were synonymous with the highly polished translucent red version you see in the mainstream.

It was not until I got into the crystal business that I discovered the allure of raw Rubies. These are far from the processed gemstones shining and encased in a jewelry store's display. They are rough and dark and unique.

As I have always been drawn to the eccentricities of life, raw Rubies are perfect for me. I use Ruby Hexagons for manifestation and have them around the office to elevate my leadership skills. 

woman wearing faceted ruby bracelets on each wrist

Lisa's personal experience with Ruby crystals

I love the glamour that comes with Ruby gemstones. The world knows about Ruby through fashion and fame. Yet they are unfamiliar with the exceptional healing properties of Ruby, which make it that much more desirable.

When I was a teenager, my aunt gave me a gold heart-shaped ring with lots of little red Rubies studded within. It was one of my very first precious jewelry pieces. I still have it, and it is still one of my only precious gemstone jewelry pieces since I usually go with other stones. I only wear my Ruby ring on rare occasions, but when I do- I feel as though I'm glowing with love and luxury.

It made such a grand impression that for my engagement, I chose another gold ring with one Ruby and one Sapphire stone. I'll take Ruby, Sapphire, and Emeralds over Diamond any day!

In my crystal healing life, I adore Ruby Zoisite. The dark green of Zoisite and lush red of Ruby remind me of watermelons, delicious! I like the rich abundance energy these stones give. I also like wearing the Ruby Zoisite combination during Christmas time. They feel so festive and keep me energized.

There's a lot to love about Ruby. What's your story?

ruby stones in water

How do you care for Ruby crystals?

Ruby is one of the crystals that can be cleaned in water. Run it under water or soak it in a bowl of water overnight. 

However, you should still be careful using the water method if your Ruby is in its raw form or has any natural fracture lines within its polished form. In this case, we recommend gently cleaning the crystal with a wet cloth. 

You should also be careful if your Ruby is embedded in another stone. For example, Kyanite and Fuchite are very soft stones on their own. 

Never place Ruby in a jewelry cleaner with chemicals.

If you are looking to metaphysically cleanse, charge, and program crystals, visit our Crystal Care guide. 

Do Rubies break or scratch easily?

True Rubies will not break or scratch easily. They are very tough stones. It is an easy way to distinguish it from imposters. 

However, if your Ruby has some fracture lines, it could be susceptible to breaks on the line. Find out what else your broken Ruby could mean in crystal healing: Broken or Lost Crystal Meanings.

real ruby and fake ruby necklaces

How can I tell real vs fake Ruby?

The only true way to know if your Ruby is real or fake is to have it tested by a gemologist, get it appraised at a certified jewelry store, or send it to a reputable laboratory. The second best way is to find a reputable seller who knows what they are selling you. If you do not have access to a gemologist or reputable seller, here are some tips to follow to tell if your gemstone is real: 

    • Real Rubies will have natural inclusions. Synthetic or Imitation Rubies may not show any internal flaws.

    • Real Rubies should never have air bubble inclusions. These are an indication of pure glass or Composite Rubies. 

    • Ruby is a 9 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness so it won't be scratched easily. You can scratch it with a Diamond, but nothing softer than a 9. Glass is only a 5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. 

    • Real Rubies are always red in tone. If you have any other stone, it could still be corundum, but not Ruby.

  • Use a Gem Tester to verify your Ruby if you are pretty certain of its other characteristics. Note that this will not tell the difference between Real Ruby and Synthetic Ruby, but it can rule out imitations and glass. 

  • The price of Rubies will be expensive compared to Synthetic Rubies. Fake Rubies will be even cheaper than Synthetic Rubies. 

What is Synthetic Ruby?

Synthetic Rubies are created in a lab by scientists over a few months. They have the same structure as natural Rubies and are considered "real" but are more affordable than natural Rubies. They don't have the same inclusions as real Rubies found in nature. 

composite ruby jewelry

What is Composite Ruby?

Composite Ruby is a manmade creation of natural Rubies mixed with glass. These entered the gem trade in 2006 and have been passed off as real Ruby since. Composite Rubies are not as hard as Real Rubies, making them less durable and more affordable. They are also called Glass Ruby Composites and Hybrid Rubies. 

To make a Composite Ruby, low-grade Ruby is chosen. Low-grade Ruby grows with extraneous minerals. These extraneous minerals are leached out of the stone and replaced with glass to hold the remaining Ruby in place. 

Traditionally treated Rubies may contain glass to fill in the gemstone's fractures, but Composite Rubies are mixed with a large percentage of glass. Whether out of ignorance or deceit, Composite Rubies are being labeled as traditionally treated Rubies, so buyer beware!

If you see intersecting lines looking like a web or fingerprints when using a 10x jewelers loupe to view your Ruby, this means it is a Composite Ruby. The lines are where the glass is holding the stone together. You may also see the air bubbles that are a common inclusion in glass or a yellow tint if the glass used was yellow to make the red shades of the stone look redder. 

composite ruby on third eye chakra

Does Composite Ruby still work for healing?

Composite Rubies can still be used in crystal healing. Just like any other crystal that has been altered, it is up to you as the healer to determine your preferences. If you are already working with polished stones, carved stones, or tumbled stones, you realize that they have been manipulated from their raw state. 

Composite Ruby does contain real Rubies within a mix of glass. To some healers, it may feel like diluted energy. For others, it may work perfectly well.

If you are working specifically with the energy of raw, unaltered stones, you are a crystal purist and you will want to hunt down and pay the price for natural Rubies! 

Experiment and come to your own conclusions on Composite Ruby. If it works for you, that's the most important part of healing!

ruby garnet ring on female

What gemstones are mistaken for Rubies?

Here are some gemstones that are sometimes passed off as Ruby or mistaken for Ruby. 

Red Garnet - Does not have the same vibrant red as Ruby, leaning more towards a burgundy or brown tone. It is only a 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.

If you are distinguishing between the tumbled versions of the two stones, your tumbled Red Garnets are cheaper so they are placed in a tumbler and come out with a lot of grooves, dips, and craters. Rubies are more expensive and are polished with a hand grinder. They will be smoother. 

In their raw formation, Garnets form in a rhombic dodecahedron - 12 sides with diamond faces  whereas Rubies form with six sides and hexagon faces. Raw Rubies will show triangular shapes on the surface whereas Garnets are chunkier with shiny flat faces. Garnets often pair with Mica as well. Rubies are fluorescent and will grow, unlike Garnets. 

Red Tourmaline - Has a more purple hue than Ruby's red and is only a 7-7.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. 

ruby gemstones on shelf

What are the mineral facts of Ruby?

Ruby is a 9 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness and is a very hard mineral.

Surface Color: Red, Purple

Streak Color: (can vary from surface color, this is the color of the crystals’ powdered minerals): White

Group: Corundum

Cleavage (where the crystal breaks off naturally to form a new face, parallel to its structure. This is a clean break and can cleave over and over again along the same face, retaining the crystals structure): No true cleavage

Fracture (where you break the crystal aside from a natural cleavage): Conchoidal is a clam-like fracture that looks like broken glass to Splintery

Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to Pearly

Tenacity: Brittle (little resistance to breakage)

Transparency: Transparent (light flows through the crystal) to Opaque (no light flows through)

Crystal System: Trigonal

Crystal Habit: Terminated Tabular or Hexagonal Prisms

ruby fuchsite and ruby zoisite stones with pink flower

Where is Ruby found?

Ruby is found in Myanmar, Australia, Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the United States, Tanzania, Vietnam, Greenland, and more. 

Magical Ruby Incantation

This is a message from Ruby from Doreen Virtue and Judith Lukomski's book "Crystal Therapy":

"I call to those willing to walk in the fire of action and self-awareness: Rise up and come unto me, for the lifeblood of creativity and breadth of purposeful movement pulsate within both of us. Act with intention and watch the world open as you share your light. I'm energy personified, one of the moral clan who lay upon the ancient breastplate of activation. Ask me to show you the direction of your agreement, then sit with me in reflection to feel the knowing clarity of purpose wash over you. Join me in embracing the power of potential realized. We exist in a continuum, never alone, so reach for me as you prepare yourself and invite truth to reign."

four females lying with ruby stones

What does Ruby mean in divination?

Drawing Ruby in a gemstone divination session means: You are ready to advance to a new stage of life.

Your soul is ready for a lift. Whatever problems you may face will be solved once you elevate your mind to the next spiritual plane. Use Ruby crystals to meditate and manifest your goals. This will help you raise your vibrations. Once you have achieved this higher state of mind, you will realize that the problem you once dwelled upon was frivolous to your life path. 

What birthstone is Ruby?

Ruby is associated with the July birthstone in the traditional calendar. Find out what Zodiac signs Ruby is associated with in Birthstones by Month and Sign

Ruby is associated with Archangels Jophiel and Michael.

ruby stones on bookshelf

Where should Ruby be placed in a home?

In the home, Ruby can be kept in the bedroom to strengthen love energy or in the office for leadership energy. 

For Feng Shui energy, place Ruby in the "Fame and Reputation" top center of your home. For more on placing crystals and a Bagua map, visit How to Clear & Fill the Home with Crystals. 

Does Ruby protect you?

While Ruby is not a protection stone against outside forces, it does protect you from your lowly thoughts. Instead of falling victim to your negative energy, use Ruby to lift your vibrations and operate on a higher plane. 

two females hi-fiving with ruby bracelets on

Is Ruby a lucky stone?

Being a July birthstone, Ruby is considered to be especially lucky for those born in this month. Because it is a crystal of positive thoughts and high vibrations, Ruby is a great stone to use to manifest your desires.

Working with Ruby helps to lift you out of toxic cycles that are keeping you down. Luck is bound to follow.

Can a Ruby attract love?

Ruby is a stone that attracts powerful love. It works on self-love, which in turn magnetizes the love that you deserve in your life.

It is also a romantic stone, gifted between lovers. Its valuable nature lends itself to special occassions and deep appreciation. 

Recite Ruby positive affirmations to attract the love you desire. 

What does Ruby do spiritually?

Spiritually, Ruby lifts your vibrations to a higher plane. It elevates your thoughts and your state of mind so that you operate in a positive realm. Meditate with Ruby to transform your thinking and tap into your true royalty. 

Gather your favorite Ruby gemstones and join us on the Ruby Guided Meditation. You can record the script in your own voice or follow along with our video. 

What chakra is Ruby?

Ruby is most popularly used at the Heart chakra for love energy and the Root chakra for physical energy. To learn more about crystals and your seven chakras, visit the Chakra Guide

ruby and sapphire tumbled stones

Is Ruby a Sapphire?

Ruby and Sapphire are both Corundum stones. They are identical in their crystal formation except for their colors. Rubies are red Corundums while all the other colors of Corundum fall into the Sapphire category. 

What color Ruby is most valuable?

Pure red ruby is the most valuable color of the crystal. Rubies with purple, orange and purple tones are less valued in the market. These valuations do not apply to crystal healing. All Rubies have the same metaphysical properties. 

four women wearing ruby jewelry

Can you wear Ruby every day?

If you have Untreated or Synthetic Ruby jewelry, it can be worn every day. These Rubies are durable and can handle everyday wear. 

However, if you have treated or Composite Ruby, the color may fade, the chemicals may absorb into your skin, and the stone may break easily. 

Do real Rubies glow?

Real Rubies will glow under fluorescent light. However, so will synthetic Rubies because they have the same chemical structure. Find out more in Do Natural Rubies Fluoresce?

women holding rough ruby hexagons

Ready to buy Ruby?

Ruby is a royal addition to your crystal healing collection. Shop the Ruby Collection at Satin Crystals or buy your favorite pieces right here:

Continue your Ruby journeys

Ruby Shopping Guides

Ruby Reference Guides

Helpful Crystal Resources

ruby fuchsite oval

Are you attracted to Rubies?

Do you have some stories to tell about your own Ruby  experiences? We'd love to hear your stories or answer any questions you may have. Contact us below and we'll get back to you. 

Disclaimer: The information provided is for entertainment only. See full disclosure.