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The history of Ruby mining dates back more than 2,500 years ago. Rubies are found throughout the world and have been mined in most areas, but Burma is considered the area for obtaining the most valuable and highest quality rubies with deep red colors. The most important deposits are found in Myanmar, which is near Mogok in Burma. Although many rubies are mined, only 1% is of gem quality. Thailand is also another important area for the mining of rubies as well as Sri Lanka, Tanzania and areas of Afghanistan, Cambodia, Madagascar and Vietnam. Less significant deposits have been found in Australia, The United States, Nepal, Pakistan and India.

Rubies are often heat treated at the mines so that their appearance is enhanced with improved clarity. This heating process also drives out the brown and purple overtones. A ruby has a hardness of 9 on the Moh's scale and is considered to be one of the most durable gemstones, next to the diamond.

The ruby is a member of the mineral family corundum. The most valuable color is thought to be pigeon's blood. Rubies can be colorless and also range in colors of red, pink, black, yellow, orange, green, indigo, violet and mauve. Red corundum and many pink corundum are called ruby. All other colors are referred to as sapphire, for example orange sapphire, black sapphire, etc.

The ruby is the birthstone for those born in the month of July and is considered to be the stone of the Zodiac sign of Capricorn, along with garnets. It is often given as a gift for the 40th anniversary.

Historically, India was considered to be the classical country of origin of the ruby. It was featured prominently in Indian literature. Whenever a particularly beautiful ruby was found, the ruler would send out dignitaries to greet the precious stone and welcome it to the realm. Today, rubies still decorate many royal households in India.

In a metaphysical sense, two magical elements are associated with red rubies: fire and blood, and they imply warmth and life for mankind. It is considered by many to be the gemstone which signifies everlasting love. Ancient legends state that one should not make faces at a ruby in a museum since this will make it grow dull. Ancient rulers even thought that a ruby would darken when it sensed danger, only to return to its natural color when the danger had passed. For healing purposes, rubies are said to be a general health protection and a help for backache and toenail problems.

There have been a few rubies which have distinguished themselves, either because of their extraordinary beauty or their impressive size. The Louvre in Paris houses the Brittany Ruby, which is an irregular gemstone but is polished and is an huge 105 carats. The British Museum of Natural History is now the home of the 167 Edwardes Ruby. In the US, The Smithsonian houses a 137 carat Rosser Reeves Ruby. There are also many other impressive rubies on display in various museums around the world.

An impressive rough and unpolished ruby is a fine Mogok ruby crystal shown here. This ruby known as the Hixon Ruby, which is displayed at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History. It weighs over 196 carats and has a flawless surface. Weighing almost 196.1 ct it has flawless surface. One of the largest rubies was discovered at Thailand. A giant brilliant 150 ct stone was publicly displayed during gem fairs.

As with other precious stones, rubies were often seen in Victorian jewelry, often in combination with diamonds. The Edwardian period also showcased rubies, particularly in rings. This fabulous ruby ring from Lang Antiques is a huge 3.42 carat Burmese Ruby with pinkish tones in an original Edwardian platinum setting and dates from the 1920s.

Ruby jewelry can be cleaned using any hot soapy water, or detergent. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly afterwards as detergents can cause dermatitis and allergic reactions. Enzyme cleaners should be avoided for the same reasons. Brushing with an old very tooth brush to remove dirt and grease will also help. Cleaning agents containing chlorine may have a detrimental effect on low carat gold alloys, so are best avoided. Rubies are very hard which makes them tough. For this reason they make a superb jewelry stone. For reasonably clean stones, no special wear or care precautions are necessary.