Ruby Meaning, Properties & Uses

Ruby

Ruby is associated with passion, vitality, courage and love in witchcraft.

What Ruby symbolizes

Ruby symbolizes the eternal flame of life, passion, and the heart’s desires. It is often seen as a representation of love, strength, and unyielding determination.

How witches use Ruby

  • Attracting love and passion
  • Boosting confidence and courage in rituals

3 more ruby uses, best practices and step-by-step rituals are in the Wicca app.

Appearance & origins

Ruby is a vibrant red or deep pink crystal with a vitreous luster. It often features translucent to opaque qualities, and its surface can range from smooth and polished to rough and raw. Some rubies may contain natural inclusions or star-like asterisms that enhance their unique visual appeal.

Ruby is commonly mined in regions such as Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Thailand, Afghanistan, and Madagascar. High-quality rubies, particularly the 'pigeon blood' red variety, are most famously associated with Myanmar.

Associated deities

  • Sekhmet (Egyptian goddess of war and healing)
  • Kali (Hindu goddess of destruction and transformation)
  • Hestia (Greek goddess of hearth and home)

Folklore & history

In ancient Burmese folklore, rubies were believed to grant invincibility in battle when embedded into the skin. Rubies were also thought to glow with their own inner light, warning of danger or evil nearby.

Rubies have been treasured for centuries in royal crowns, jewelry, and ceremonial tools. In India, they were called 'Ratnaraj,' meaning 'King of Precious Stones,' and were used in offerings to honor deities and ensure protection.

Safety

Warnings: Ruby is generally safe to handle, but treated stones (e.g., lead-filled or dyed rubies) should be researched before direct skin contact. Never use ruby in elixirs or drinking water.

Care: Store ruby separately from other crystals to avoid scratching its surface. Clean gently with a soft cloth and avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners for treated or fragile stones.

Similar crystals