July Birthstone Q and A: Ruby

Gemstone Q&A: What is the birthstone for July? Here's a hint: Dorothy's slippers were famously named after this gemstone. Take the Empire Jewelers' quiz and put your gemstone knowledge to the test!

1. Ruby is the birthstone for July, as well as what astrological sign?
2. Ruby is the red gem quality form of the mineral corundum, the second hardest natural mineral known to mankind. What is the first hardest natural mineral?
3. What causes the red coloration of rubies?
4. What are all colors of corundum other than red known as?
5. What are pink shades of rubies known as?
6. The finest rubies in the world were once found in Burma in South and Southeast Asia. What is the country Burma called today?
7. Rubies from the legendary mines in Mogok often have a pure red color. What avian term is sometimes used to describe this color?
8. The most expensive ruby ever sold was an 8.62 carat pigeon's blood cushion-cut ruby set in an 18-karat gold rectangular mount. How much did it sell for and where was the auction?
9. In ancient times, ruby was thought to give its wearer what?
10. True or false: Rubies are considered more valuable than top quality diamonds.
11. The word red is derived from what Latin word for ruby?
12. At the end of the movie The Wizard of Oz, Glinda the Good Witch of the North tells Dorothy she can return home to Kansas by clicking the heels of her ruby slippers together three times and repeating what phrase?

Ruby Quiz Answers:

1. Ruby is also the gemstone for the astrological sign of Capricorn.
2. The diamond is the first hardest mineral with an absolute hardness of 1600, four times more than corundum, which has an absolute hardness of 400.
3. Trace amounts of the element chromium is what causes rubies to appear red.
4. Colors of corundum other than red are called sapphires.
5. Rubies in shades of pink are simply referred to as pink sapphires.
6. Today, Burma is known as Myanmar.
7. The color of the pure red rubies from the mines of Mogok were sometimes referred to as "pigeon's-blood."
8. The most expensive ruby ever sold at auction was purchased at Christie's in 2006 for a reported $3.6 million.
9. Ruby was thought to give its wearer good health, wisdom, wealth and success in love.
10. True. Flawless top quality rubies are more valuable and rare than top quality colorless diamonds.
11. The word red is derived from the Latin word, ruber.
12. To return to Kansas, Dorothy must click her heels three times and repeat, "There's no place like home."

When you bring in a piece of jewelry or other item to Empire, that property is appraised by a professional jeweler. If you choose to take a loan out or "pawn it" instead of sell it, the item becomes collateral against the loan, and you receive cash against that collateral.

Have a question for us? Call us today at (516) 520-5252 or visit http://www.empirepawnofnassau.com for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mitch_Kushner

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7144337