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The Ruby: July's
Birthstone
Different
cultures around the world have, over time, developed their own list of
birthstones. Some believe the stones equate to the zodiac or astrological
signs and not the months of the year, while others believe the origin lies
with a religious ceremonial garment known as the Breastplate of Aaron that
Moses was to have made according to the instructions laid out in
Exodus 28: 15-30. The 12 gems set in the breastplate were to represent the twelve tribes
of Israel also corresponding to the twelve apostles, the twelve months of the
year and the twelve signs of the zodiac.
The modern
lists of gemstones vary since ancient peoples did not classify minerals by the
same methods we use now. But, no matter the accuracy of the stones, the
custom prevails and the stones carry meanings.
The birthstone
for July is now the Ruby, one of the rarest gemstones in the world. It is the color of the stone that is all
important.
All Rubies are a red to orange-red to
purple-red and are a variety of the mineral
corundum,
aluminum oxide (Al2O3).
They are almost as hard as diamonds and are
a transparent gemstone.
 Rubies
have been prized for centuries in the Orient, and the location of the mines
were long a well-kept secret. Stones with a "star" are very rare, very
expensive but beautiful. So-called pink rubies (especially with stars) are
actually sapphires. Rubies are found in Burma, China, Siam, Ceylon,
India, East Africa, Montana and North Carolina.
Because of the color they are associated with love, passion and power.
Exodus 28, 15-30
The instructions for fabricating the Breastplate of the High
Priest, or the Breastplate of Aaron, can be found in Exodus 28, 15-30:
And thou shall make the breastplate of judgement with cunning
work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of
blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen shalt thou
make it.
Foursquare it shall be doubled; a span shall be the length
thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.
And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of
stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle:
this shall be the first row.
And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a
diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And
the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper; they shall be set
in gold in their enclosings.
And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel,
twelve, according to their names, like the engravings on a signet;
every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve
tribes....
And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the
breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the
holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually.
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