ruby etymology

Etymology

The word "ruby" derives from the Latin "rubeus", meaning "red". This aligns with the gemstone's characteristic deep red hue.

Meaning and Origin

  • Meaning: Ruby is a precious gemstone, renowned for its deep, vibrant red coloration. It is a variety of the mineral corundum, which is also known for its blue form as sapphire.
  • Origin: Rubies are mined from various locations worldwide, including Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tanzania, and Afghanistan. The most valuable rubies are mined from the Mogok Valley in Myanmar.

Cultural Significance

  • Symbol of Love and Passion: Rubies have been culturally associated with love, desire, and passion for centuries. They are often given as gifts to express romantic feelings.
  • Ancient Beliefs: In ancient times, rubies were believed to possess medicinal properties and were used to treat ailments such as heart problems and bleeding.
  • Crown Jewels: Rubies have been prominent in royal regalia throughout history. The British Crown Jewels, for example, include several important ruby pieces, such as the Black Prince's Ruby and the Imperial State Crown.

Additional Facts

  • Mohs Hardness: Rubies have a Mohs hardness of 9, making them the second hardest mineral after diamonds.
  • Chemical Composition: Rubies are primarily composed of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), with traces of chromium (Cr) giving them their red color.
  • Coloration: The intensity of a ruby's red coloration is influenced by the amount of chromium present in its chemical structure.

ruby relate terms

  • ruddy

    Etymology From Middle English ruddy meaning red skinned ruddy from Old English

  • rust

    Etymology The word rust comes from the Old English word rust which in turn is derive

  • ruby

    Etymology The word ruby derives from the Latin rubeus meaning red This aligns wit

  • rubric

    Etymology The word rubric comes from the Latin rubrica meaning red earth or red

  • russet

    Etymology Middle English russet from Anglo Norman French russet from Old French rouss

  • dead

    Etymology Old English dead Proto Germanic dauðaz Proto Indo European dʰew Mea

  • bread

    Etymology The word bread originates from the Middle English word bred which is deriv

  • lead

    Etymology The word lead comes from the Old English word lēad which is ultimately d

  • bilirubin

    Etymology bili from Greek chole meaning bile rubin from Latin ruber meaning

  • corroborate

    Etymology Latin corrobōrāre con together with roborāre to strengthen

  • Eritrea

    Etymology The name Eritrea originates from the Greek term Erythra Thalassa meaning

  • erysipelas

    Etymology Erysipelas is derived from the Greek words erythros ἐρυθρός red

  • erythema

  • erythro

    Etymology Greek ἐρυθρός erythros meaning red Meaning Erythro refers t

  • Radnor

    Etymology and Origin The name Radnor has multiple possible etymologies and origins 1

  • roan

    Etymology Old English rūn a rune a magical letter or sign Proto Germanic rūnō

  • robust

    Etymology The word robust comes from the Latin word robur meaning oak tree Mean

  • rooibos

    Etymology of Rooibos Rooibos is a South African herbal tea made from the leaves of Aspala

  • Rotwelsch

    Etymology Rotwelsch is a Germanic language spoken by itinerant communities in Central and

  • rouge

    Etymology and Origin Rouge comes from the Old French word rouge which means red T

  • roux

    Etymology and Origin French roux Latin russus red reddish Meaning A roux is a

  • rowan

    Etymology The name Rowan derives from the Old Irish word ruadhán which means little

  • rubella

    Etymology Latin ruber meaning red Meaning An infectious disease characterized

  • rubicund

    Etymology Latin rūbicundus from rubēre to be red Proto Indo European hreudʰ

  • rubric

    Etymology The word rubric comes from the Latin rubrica meaning red earth or red

  • ruby

    Etymology The word ruby derives from the Latin rubeus meaning red This aligns wit

  • ruddock

    Etymology The surname Ruddock is derived from two Old English elements Rud Red Dock

  • ruddy

    Etymology From Middle English ruddy meaning red skinned ruddy from Old English

  • rufous

    Etymology Latin rufus Meaning red Origin The word rufous originates from th

  • Rufus

    Etymology The name Rufus derives from the Latin word rufus meaning red Meaning Ru

  • russet

    Etymology Middle English russet from Anglo Norman French russet from Old French rouss

  • rust

    Etymology The word rust comes from the Old English word rust which in turn is derive

  • crimson

    Etymology The word crimson comes from the Old French word cremesin which is derived

  • carmine

    Etymology From Latin carminium from carminare to card Meaning A deep crimson or

  • cherry

    Etymology The word cherry comes from the Middle English word cheri which is derived

  • anthracite

    Etymology The word anthracite is derived from the Greek words anthrakos meaning co

  • carbuncle

    Etymology carbuncle n late 14c precious stone especially a ruby from Old Frenc

  • trivia

    Etymology and Meaning The word trivia originates from the Latin word trivium which m

  • scarlet

    Etymology Middle English scarlet from Old French escarlate from Late Latin scarlatum