Come and enjoy the world of rocks, gems, and minerals!
Sedona Gem and Mineral Club
OUR MISSION
The Mission of the Club is the promotion of interest in the study of geology and mineralogy to the extent that it leads to a fuller understanding of these sciences and all their applications, including rock-hounding trips, exploratory field excursions and the knowledge and practice of the lapidary arts. The Club may also sponsor study groups.
always new Events
Meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of the Month, 7 pm for 9 months of the year, live meetings at Sedona Public Library.
Members and well known and local experts present at meetings! Contact us about fee-paid speaking.
Sedona Gem and Mineral Show: Start planning for October 2024! 2023 was the Best Ever!
See Calendar and Field Trips pages for details. and reserve ahead!
JULY BIRTHSTONE - RUBY
Meaning, Significance, and Symbolism
“As with other phases of nature, I have probably loved the rocks more than I have studied them.” – John Burroughs
Gorgeous and historically coveted, Ruby derives from the Latin word meaning “red” – the color of love and passion and lifeblood! The finest color of the birthstone for July is a deep red with a hint of purple, called “pigeon’s blood” in the trade. A variety of the mineral corundum, ruby gets its color from trace amounts of the element chromium. The more chromium, the stronger the red. And it is second only to diamonds in hardness.
Mining began in ancient Myanmar and still produces rubies. Of late, Vietnam is another important source for this birthstone. Other important producers of include Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar.
Another fun fact: rubies and sapphires are chemically the same stone. They are both part of the corundum family, and according to the Gemological Institute of America, the jury is still out on where to draw the line. Some say rubies are red, sapphires are blue.
In ancient India, ruby was called the “king of precious stones” for its rarity, harness, beautify and believed powers. Burmese warriors believed it made them invincible in battle. Medieval Europeans maintained that rubies bestowed health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love.
Events in June 2024
- There are no events scheduled during these dates.
