July Birthstone
By Jared James · Last updated 17 May 2026
Quick answer
The July birthstone is ruby, the red variety of corundum and the same mineral as sapphire. Ruby is 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to moissanite and diamond, which makes it one of the few coloured stones that genuinely suits a daily-wear engagement ring. The most prized ruby colour is a vivid pure red with a slight blue undertone, traditionally called pigeon blood.
July stones at a glance
Ruby. Pinkish red to deep crimson. Hardness 9 Mohs.
Colour and meaning
Ruby is corundum coloured by trace chromium, which also causes the gentle fluorescence that makes fine rubies appear to glow. Burmese ruby is the historic benchmark for vivid red with a slight blue undertone. Mozambique now produces strong saturated reds, while Thai material tends to be darker. Ruby has stood for passion, courage and life force across many cultures, and is one of the strongest coloured-stone alternatives to a diamond engagement ring.
Durability and best uses
Ruby is 9 on the Mohs scale, with very good toughness. That makes it one of the most practical coloured stones for an engagement ring, eternity band or daily-wear ring. The only durability watch is for rubies with significant fracture filling, which need gentler cleaning and are a poorer fit for ultrasonic cleaners.
History and lore
Ruby has been valued in Asian and European cultures for thousands of years. Sanskrit texts called ruby the king of precious stones. Burmese warriors believed ruby gave them invincibility in battle. The Black Prince Ruby in the British Imperial State Crown is actually a red spinel, not a ruby, which is why spinel has its own following among gem collectors. Ruby was once also confused with red garnet in many royal collections.
Gift ideas
For July, a ruby pendant in yellow gold or a ruby stud earring set sits at the practical end. A ruby and diamond ring works for an engagement-style piece, with a strong coloured centre and white sparkle around it. For a milestone gift, ruby is the traditional stone for the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries. Lab grown ruby gives the same hardness and the same pigeon blood colour at a much lower price.
Care
Ruby is easy to care for. Warm soapy water and a soft brush work, and most heat-treated and untreated rubies are safe for ultrasonic and steam cleaning. Avoid both for stones with fracture filling. Store ruby separately so it does not scratch softer stones.
Zodiac and anniversary
Zodiac: Cancer (until 22 July) and Leo (from 23 July).
Anniversary: Ruby is the traditional gift for the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
Designing a custom piece
Start a custom design
Birthstone rings and pendants are usually made to order. Tell us the stone, the wearer and the piece you have in mind, and we will help you compare options before we draw anything up.
Start a custom designFrequently asked questions
- What is the birthstone for July?
- Ruby is the birthstone for July under both the modern and traditional lists. It is the red variety of corundum, the same mineral as sapphire.
- Is ruby a good engagement ring stone?
- Yes. At 9 on the Mohs scale, ruby is one of the most durable coloured stones, second only to moissanite and diamond. It handles daily wear well and gives a bold coloured alternative to a diamond engagement ring.
- What is pigeon blood ruby?
- Pigeon blood is the traditional name for the most prized ruby colour: a vivid pure red with a slight blue undertone and strong fluorescence. The name originated in Burma and now appears on grading reports for the best stones.
- Are lab grown rubies real?
- Yes. Lab grown ruby has the same chemistry, the same hardness and the same look as mined ruby. It tests as ruby and is a sensible choice for buyers who want the pigeon blood look at a fraction of the natural price.
Still deciding
Talk through the july birthstone with us
Send the wearer, the piece you have in mind and a sense of budget, and we will help you compare stones and settings before we draw anything up.
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