Crystal · Hard-won red fire
Ruby
- Chakra
- Root, Heart
- Element
- Fire
- Planet
- Sun
- Tarot
- Eight of Wands
Crystal correspondences are traditional; the descriptions are original to this site.
What Ruby means
Chromium traces turn corundum into ruby, the same mineral that becomes sapphire in every other colour it takes. In Burma, George Kunz wrote in 1913, a ruby set into the flesh was believed to keep its owner from being wounded by spear, sword or gun.
Emotional properties
The figure on the back of the envelope was higher than the one you said out loud in the meeting. Ruby has never been a modest stone, all saturated red, and it backs the first number rather than the trimmed one. Wear it the next time you ask, and say the envelope's figure before anyone else names one.
Spiritual properties
A true ruby, learned men claimed around 1600, would darken to warn its wearer of coming misfortune. Ruby still serves as that kind of alarm, less by changing colour than by holding your attention on what you half suspect. Before a risk you have doubts about, the stone's red is a place to rest your eyes while you admit what you already know.
Physical properties
Many fine rubies glow in daylight, turning some of the sun's invisible ultraviolet into extra red light. Take yours outside for the first ten minutes of the morning, before any screen, and let your own day start in the same light. The stone's glow is only a reminder to go and stand in the morning light.
Care and cleansing
Most ruby takes warm soapy water in its stride, but many low-priced rubies are filled with lead glass, which acids, heat and ultrasonic cleaners can damage; wipe those with a damp cloth only. A morning in direct sun charges it without fading it, and a lined box stops it scratching almost everything else it might touch.
A question to sit with
If nobody could argue, what number would you name?
Stones that share a chakra
- SeptarianSea-floor patience
- SerpentineMottled snake-skin calm
- ShungiteCarbon from deep time
- Smoky quartzGrounded and unhurried
- Snowflake obsidianPattern in the glass
- SpinelQuiet, true fire
- StilbiteSheaf of soft light
- Tiger's eyeGolden vigilance