# July birthstone: Ruby

> The July birthstone is ruby. Its meaning and history, alternatives at gift-friendly prices, July star signs and pieces you can buy in the UK.

URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/july
Updated: 2026-10-30

The birthstone for July is ruby. The full list is ruby, with carnelian as a traditional alternative. Ruby is red corundum, hardness 9. Carnelian is the warm, affordable orange-red alternative.

## July birthstones at a glance

- [Ruby](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/ruby)
- [Carnelian](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/carnelian): traditionally linked with courage, creativity and get-up-and-go
- [Red jasper](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/red-jasper): traditionally linked with endurance and grounding, a 'nurturing' stone

## Where birthstone lists come from

The idea of a stone for each month goes back to the twelve stones on the breastplate of the Jewish high priest, described in the Book of Exodus. The modern list was set by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912, and Britain's National Association of Goldsmiths published its own list in 1937. That is why some months have more than one stone.

## July star signs

July birthdays fall under [Cancer](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/zodiac/cancer/crystals) (21 June – 22 July) and [Leo](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/zodiac/leo/crystals) (23 July – 22 August), so a sign stone is another gift option.

## Gift ideas at every price

- Under £10: a tumbled red jasper or ruby in a pouch with a card.
- £10–£30: a pendant, bracelet or point in the birthstone colour.
- £30 and over: a sphere, a larger point or a set with a candle and incense. Orders over £40 travel free.

## Care

Hard stones (7 and above on the Mohs scale) can be washed in warm soapy water. Softer and porous stones need a dry cloth only. Each stone page gives specific care.

## Questions

**What is the July birthstone?**

Ruby, with carnelian as a traditional alternative.

**What colour is the July birthstone?**

Ruby is red corundum, hardness 9.

**Is there a cheaper alternative to ruby?**

Yes: carnelian and red jasper give a similar look or tradition at a lower price.

**Can I wear a July birthstone if I wasn't born in July?**

Yes, anyone can wear a July birthstone. Birthstone lists are a modern jewellers' tradition (set in 1912 in the US and 1937 in the UK), not a rule, and many people choose stones for their colour or meaning. Ruby, Carnelian and Red jasper are the usual choices.

**What is the zodiac stone for a July birthday?**

A July birthday falls under two star signs, and each has its own traditional stones. Check your exact date, then see the [crystals for July](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals-by-month/july) page, which lists both signs' stones. Many people give the birthstone and a sign stone together.

## Related

- [June birthstone](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/june)
- [August birthstone](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/august)
- [All birthstones](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones)
- [Crystal gift finder](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/gift-finder)

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Starseed UK describes spiritual uses as tradition and belief, never as health or medical claims. UK delivery £3.95, free over £40.