Ruby vs Carbuncle or Garnet
In relation to gemstones, the word carbuncle came to us from ancient times. It means any gem of red color, and in particular red almandine garnet cut into cabochon shape. It can be of any red shade from burgundy to yellowish red.
Ruby is a red variety of corundum. In other words ruby is a red type of sapphire. In the USA in order for the gemstone to be called ruby it has to be within a specified red color range.
Garnet hardness according to Mohs scale is 7 to 7.5 in comparison with 9 for ruby. It is fair to say that both gems are hard though ruby is significantly harder.
A single crystal formation of almandine garnet
Almandine garnet is arguably the most common garnet and is reasonably priced. On the contrary, ruby is a very rare gem, and decent size, color and clarity ruby will cost an absolute fortune.
Both carbuncle and ruby are considered to be ancient powerful birthstones with a variety of attributed powers, virtues and stories.
Charubel, early 20th century mystic, wrote about carbuncle: “physically strengthens and vivifies the vital and generative forces in human nature, those that lack energy, sufferers from anaemia, and those wanting in animal courage. It sharpens business propensities and is invaluable to the dull, lethargic, sluggish, lymphatic, and people of cold habits.”.
In the Middle Ages curbuncle was used as a charm by travelers as it was said to help avoid drowning at sea and accidents on land.
In mysticism, dragon eyes were said to be carbuncles. In Christianity, because carbuncle was red it was accepted as a symbol of the divine sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The gems is also important in Islam because, according to the beleifs, the 4th Heave is made out of it.
Classic style ruby pendant
There is a legend that says that one of the rulers of Amboin island (currently in Papua New Guinea) owned a magnificent yellow-red carbuncle that shone so brightly at night that a room could be illuminated by it. The story said that when this ruler was a child he was placed into a hammock between two trees, and the snake crept up to the boy and dropped the gem into the hammock. In gratitude for the gift, the parents of the ruler fed the snake for the rest of its life. Eventually, the gemstone ended up in the possession of a king of Siam.
An interesting fact is that via German ‘Karfunkel’ and subsequently Yiddish ‘Gorfinkl’, the gemstone has become the origin of a Jewish las name Garfunkel.
More about garnet birthstone properties.
Ruby was considered the birthstone of friendship helping avoid disagreements and conflicts. It was accepted as a symbol of devotion and hence used in episcopal rings. Dreams of rubies were believed to have indicated success in business ventures and professional development.
Please read our extended article about birthstone ruby with virtues and stories about this famous gem.
