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Ruby, a representative red gemstone and one of the five major gemstones.
Sphene, with its brilliance comparable to that of a diamond, is truly captivating.
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| Gemstone name | Ruby | Sphene |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral name | corundum | Titanite |
| Japanese name | Kogyoku | Titanite, wedge stone |
| Origin of the name | The name originates from the Latin word "rubeus," meaning red. | The name comes from the Greek word "sphenos" (wedge), due to the wedge-like shape of the crystal. |
| color | red | Green to yellowish-green to brown |
| Mohs hardness | 9 | 5.0-5.5 |
| Place of origin | Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, etc. | Pakistan, Madagascar, Russia, etc. |
| Stone meanings | Passion, benevolence, dignity | Permanent and unchanging |
| effect | It protects you from danger and misfortune, and leads you to victory. | Peace of mind, opening up a new path in life, and leading to success |
| Maintenance | Clean with lukewarm water and a neutral detergent, using a brush / ultrasonic cleaning | Wash gently with a soft brush in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. |
| others | Unheated, Myanmar (Burma) pigeon blood corundum is traded at high prices. Corundum other than red is classified as sapphire. | Characterized by its intense sparkle due to strong fire. Those that are greener than brown and have a stronger sparkle are considered higher quality. |
The birthstone for July is the ruby, a passionate red stone that you all know.60th birthday celebrationIt is popular for that reason, but it is also the birthstone for Aries and Leo, and is designated as the ruby anniversary for the 40th wedding anniversary.
Another one is sphene, which was newly designated at the end of 2021. It looks like glitter is trapped inside yellow, yellowish-green, and brown.Sparkling shimmerIts appeal lies in its charm, and its popularity has been steadily increasing in recent years.
This time, we'll introduce the birthstone for July.
▼Click here to learn more about other birthstones
Index
1.Ruby
Characteristics of Ruby
Ruby is such a representative red gemstone that it's practically synonymous with the color red, and its Japanese name is "Kogyoku" (紅玉). Its mineral name is corundum, and with a Mohs hardness of 9, it's a very hard gemstone, making it perfect for jewelry.Sapphire is also made from the same mineral, corundum.However, only the red ones are called "rubies." While they are usually heat-treated to bring out their beautiful color, beautiful rubies exist even without this treatment.Unheated (no heat)It enters the market as such and its value increases. Also, those with a vibrant, deep red color and a lustrous finish.Pigeon's bloodIt is known as [a certain name] and is traded at a high price.
The main producing regions are Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Among these, Burmese rubies are characterized by their deep red color, often resembling pigeon's blood.
The origin of ruby
The word ruby originates from the Latin word "rubeus," which means red.
In the past, red gemstones were all called rubies, and it's a well-known fact that the "Black Prince's Ruby," the crown of the British Empire, was actually a spinel. There's a history of various gemstones being mistaken for rubies, such as garnets.
In the past, red gemstones were all called rubies, and it's a well-known fact that the "Black Prince's Ruby," the crown of the British Empire, was actually a spinel. There's a history of various gemstones being mistaken for rubies, such as garnets.
Ruby's effect
The meaning of the stone is "Passion, benevolence, dignity".
Speaking of rubies,passionIt is famous as a gemstone that represents "passion." A red that burns fiercely from within the heart. That passion attracts people.
Rubies have long been treasured as a protective amulet that brings victory, and it is said that powerful figures of the past wore rubies as gemstones that brought power and wealth. They are recommended for those who wish for success in love, those who are working towards their goals, and those who want to live passionately.
Speaking of rubies,passionIt is famous as a gemstone that represents "passion." A red that burns fiercely from within the heart. That passion attracts people.
Rubies have long been treasured as a protective amulet that brings victory, and it is said that powerful figures of the past wore rubies as gemstones that brought power and wealth. They are recommended for those who wish for success in love, those who are working towards their goals, and those who want to live passionately.
Ruby care
Rubies are known as one of the hardest gemstones, with a Mohs hardness of 9. So, don't be too worried about them; wear them often. However, they are softer than diamonds, so avoid storing them with other jewelry whenever possible.
When cleaning, fill a cup with lukewarm water and add a little mild detergent (dish soap). Then, dip a soft brush (such as a toothbrush with soft bristles) into the detergent and gently dab the stone. Avoid scrubbing, as this can cause the prongs holding the stone to loosen; the key is to dab it. After washing, rinse with lukewarm water.
Using an ultrasonic cleaner is also recommended to remove fine dirt.
When cleaning, fill a cup with lukewarm water and add a little mild detergent (dish soap). Then, dip a soft brush (such as a toothbrush with soft bristles) into the detergent and gently dab the stone. Avoid scrubbing, as this can cause the prongs holding the stone to loosen; the key is to dab it. After washing, rinse with lukewarm water.
Using an ultrasonic cleaner is also recommended to remove fine dirt.
Hojudo offers a wide selection of ruby jewelry. Please be sure to check out the Hojudo website.
▼Click here for ruby jewelry
2.Sphene
Characteristics of sphene
Originally not very well known, this gemstone became popular after being designated as the birthstone for July in 2021. The secret to its popularity is undoubtedly its iridescent sparkle (fire). As a gemstone, its color ranges from green to brown, but it shines with a brilliance comparable to that of a diamond, and once you see it, it will surely be etched into your memory.High-quality glass is considered to be greener than brown, highly transparent, and with a strong shimmer.
The mineral name is titanite. Its Japanese name is also simply titanite. It is also sometimes called wedge stone because its crystals resemble a wedge.
While sphene itself is found in various parts of the world, high-quality sphene suitable for jewelry is found only in a limited number of regions, such as Pakistan, Madagascar, and Russia.
Origin of Sphene
The crystal resembles the shape of a wedge, and the name is derived from the Greek word "sphenos," meaning "wedge."
*Wedge = a V-shaped, pointed piece of wood or metal.
*Wedge = a V-shaped, pointed piece of wood or metal.
The effects of sphene
The meaning of the stone is "Permanent and unchanging".
Sphene symbolizes staying true to yourself and moving forward positively. It can help you forge your own path in life and lead you to success.
This gemstone is perfect for those who want to live their lives strongly and authentically.
Sphene symbolizes staying true to yourself and moving forward positively. It can help you forge your own path in life and lead you to success.
This gemstone is perfect for those who want to live their lives strongly and authentically.
Sphene care
Sphene, with its iridescent sparkle like a diamond, is a very soft gemstone with a Mohs hardness of 5-5.5. It will break if it comes into contact with other gemstones, so please be sure to store it separately.
When cleaning, fill a cup with lukewarm water and add a little mild detergent (dish soap). Then, dip a soft brush (such as a toothbrush with soft bristles) into the detergent and gently dab the stone. Avoid scrubbing, as this may cause the prongs holding the stone to loosen. The key is to dab the stone. After washing, rinse the sphene with lukewarm water.
When cleaning, fill a cup with lukewarm water and add a little mild detergent (dish soap). Then, dip a soft brush (such as a toothbrush with soft bristles) into the detergent and gently dab the stone. Avoid scrubbing, as this may cause the prongs holding the stone to loosen. The key is to dab the stone. After washing, rinse the sphene with lukewarm water.
Hojudo offers a wide selection of sphene jewelry. Please be sure to check out the Hojudo website.
▼Click here for sphene jewelry