The History and Folklore of Rubies

The ruby has many names in Sanskrit, some of them clearly showing that it was more valued as a gem by the Hindus than any other. For instance, it is called ratnaraj, "king of precious stones," and ratnanayaka, "leader of precious stones;" another name, applied to a particular shade of ruby is padmaraga, "red as the lotus." (Garbe, "Die indische Mineralien; Naharari's Rajanighantu, Varga XIII, Leipzig, 1882.)

The glowing hue of the ruby suggested the idea that an inextinguishable flame burned in this stone. From this fancy came the assertion that the inner fire could not be hidden, as it would shine through the clothing or through any material that might be wrapped around the stone. (Epiphanii, "De XII gemmis," Tiguri, 1565, fol. 5.) If cast into the water the ruby communicated its heat to the liquid, causing it to boil. The dark and the star rubies were called "male" stones, the others, more especially, however, those of lighter hue, being considered as "female" stones. All varieties served to preserve the bodily and mental health of the wearer, for they removed evil thoughts, controlled amorous desires, dissipated pestilential vapors, and reconciled disputes. (Camilli Leonardi, "Speculum lapidum," Venetia, 1502, fol. xxvi.)

In the "Lapidaire" of Philippe de Valois, it is said that "the books tell us the beautiful clear and fine ruby is the lord of stones; it is the gem of gems, and surpasses all other precious stones in virtue." In the time of Marbodus (end of the eleventh century A.D.) the same proud place was assigned to the sapphire. The ruby is spoken of in similar terms in the "Lapidaire en Vers," where it is called "the most precious of the twelve stones God created when He created all creatures" By Christ's command the ruby was placed on Aaron's neck, "the ruby, called the lord of gems; the highly prized, the dearly loved ruby, so fair with its gay color." (Pannier, "Les lapidaires francais," Paris, 1882. Cited in Schofield, "The Pearl," Pub. of Mod. Lang. Asso. of Am., vol. xxiv, Pt. 4.)

As with diamonds, rubies also were divided by the Hindus into four castes. The true Oriental ruby was a Brahmin; the rubicelle, a Kshatriya; the spinel, a Vaisya, and lastly, the balas-ruby, a Sudra. The possession of a padmaraga, or Brahmin ruby, conferred perfect safety upon the owner, and as long as he owned this precious stone he could dwell without fear in the midst of enemies and was shielded from adverse fortune. However, great care had to be taken to preserve this ruby of the first class from contact with inferior specimens, as its virtue would thereby be contaminated, and its power for good correspondingly diminished. (Surindro Mohun Tagore, "Mani Mala," Pt. I, Calcutta, 1879.)

The many talismanic virtues of the ruby are noted in the fourteenth century treatise attributed to Sir John Mandeville. ("Le grand lapidaire de Jean de Mandeville," from the ed. of 1561, ed. by J. S. del Sotto, Vienne, 1862.) Here the fortunate owner of a brilliant ruby is assured that he will live in peace and concord with all men, that neither his land nor his rank will be taken from him, and that he will be preserved from all perils. The stone would also guard his house, his fruit-trees, and his vineyards from injury by tempests. All the good effects were most surely secured if the ruby, set in ring, bracelet, or brooch, were worn on the left side.