People Born in July Have 'One of the Rarest' Birthstones—Here's What It Is and the Meaning Behind the Stone
Summer is officially here and July babies are ready to party! The best way to celebrate? Well, with July's birthstone, of course. This gemstone is as hot as the summer sun, with its own fiery allure and deep-rooted significance. Whether you're shopping for a birthday gift or treating yourself to a dazzling new piece of jewelry (you deserve it!), the birthstone for July offers options that are both timeless and trendy.
So, what is the birthstone for July? Let's dive in, exploring its color, rich history, symbolic meaning and why it's the perfect accessory for summer birthdays. Plus, we go over the modern alternative birthstone that has emerged for July as a secondary option as well.
Related: Here’s Exactly What Your Month's Birthstone Says About Your Personality
What Is July's Birthstone?
When it comes to July's birthstone, there's little room for debate: it's the ruby.
"July pretty much belongs to rubies,” says Matt Harris, a certified pearl specialist at Matt Harris Designs. “Traditional birthstones are associated with historical events and trends. The breastplate Aaron wore into battle, described in the Book of Exodus, contained 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel—many of those became traditional birthstones."
Sacha Jarmon, gemologist and founder of LOVE SARO, echoes this sentiment about the July birthstone, and explains, "Ruby is one of the most coveted, rare, beautiful and powerful precious healing gemstones that exist."
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July Birthstone Color
The color of the traditional July birthstone, ruby, is red (which can sometimes veer into the territory of reddish-purple).
Is the July Birthstone Rare?
If you're born in July, you're in luck—your birthstone is truly special.
Jarmon highlights the ruby's scarcity: "Rubies are considered one of the rarest gemstones in the world, sometimes even rarer than diamonds. Rubies over 1-carat in size and of good quality are exceptionally rare and very expensive."
Ruby Meaning and History
Rubies have been popular across the ages for their beauty and symbolism.
"Many gemstones represent love and passion, but rubies make an incredibly compelling case for the top spot,” says Harris. “Their color is mesmerizing and reminds us of the heart itself or the blood that pumps through it—a sign of not only life but love."
Jarmon adds: "Often referred to as the 'Stone of Passion,' Ruby is an energizer stone that activates one's physical, mental, and emotional body.”
“Since ancient times, rubies have symbolized passion, protection, vitality and wealth," she continues. "Many cultures have strong ties to it being a symbol of love and commitment, and routinely use this gemstone to boost confidence and attract love."
Related: April Birthstones: Learn the Meaning, Color, History
Where Do Rubies Come From?
Rubies come from all over the world, but both Harris and Jarmon believe the finest rubies come from Burma (Myanmar).
“They're also mined in Afghanistan, Australia, Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam,” shares Jarmon.
Related: May Birthstones: Learn All About Their Symbolism, Color and History
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What Is the Modern Birthstone Alternative for July?
While ruby takes center stage, onyx has emerged as a modern alternative birthstone for July. This sleek, black gem offers a striking contrast to the fiery ruby and appeals to those who prefer a more understated elegance.
Harris mentions, "If you're a Leo (born around July 23-August 22), you can enjoy onyx as a birthstone as well, although you won't find it on most traditional and modern charts."
In recent years, onyx has gained popularity as a modern birthstone option for all of July—not just for late-month Leos. Its smooth, dark surface provides a sophisticated backdrop for any jewelry design, making it a versatile choice for contemporary tastes.
Related: June Actually Has 3 Birthstones—Here's What They Are and What They Symbolize
Onyx Meaning
Jarmon sheds light on onyx's unique properties.
"Onyx is widely known as a powerful protection stone," she shares. "Since ancient times, onyx has been used to absorb negative energy. It's said that the more negativity it absorbs, the darker the stone appears."
Where Is Onyx Found?
"While onyx can be found all over the world, the United States—specifically Utah and Arizona—and Brazil are the largest producers of onyx," says Jarmon.
Whether you're drawn to the fiery passion of ruby or the grounding protection of onyx, July's birthstones offer a rich tapestry of beauty, history and meaning for those born in the heart of summer.
Next: What Is Your Birth Flower? Find Out the Meaning Behind the Blooms for Each Month
Sources:
Matt Harris, a certified pearl specialist at Matt Harris Designs
Sacha Jarmon, gemologist and founder of LOVE SARO
