Fire and Blood

The ruby is the world's most precious and rare stone. For the ancient Hindus, the ruby was Rajnapura: the Gem of Gems, at whose heart surges an eternal, unquenchable flame. Yet, for all its rarity and beauty, the ruby has always been a slightly sinister stone. Indian legend says the ruby was born from the blood of a demon. Indeed, the ruby is very close to a wild, living being: fiery, passionate, and dangerous. It has been at the center of love and wars, a symbol of passion, greed, and strong magic. Ancient sages and modern crystal healers have credited it with strange powers—from the granting of prophetic insight to protecting one from bullets. It has long been part of the human journey: coveted, fought over, and feared. Morgan considers all the beautiful and terrifying facets of this magnificent stone: scientific, economic, mythological, and spiritual. She discusses the great stones and great heists of the ruby world—and the famous fakes, too—the great Black Prince and renowned Timur. She closes with a discussion of the making of synthetic rubies and the laser beam.

"This is another interesting contribution by Morgan that, like her recent work on emeralds (From Satan's Crown to the Holy Grail, CH, Oct '07, 45-0887), combines a mixture of technical information (and misinformation) with a major dollop of the nontechnical. This book discussing the nature, genesis, properties, sources, economics, history, legends, myths, and magic of rubies has much to commend....The author's explanations of rather complex mineralogical concepts are well presented in a fashion that should assure a maximum level of understanding for the nonscientist. Furthermore, the historical treatment of important ruby mining districts and famous gems attributed to them is thorough and informative, as is a general evaluation of ruby mining methods and traditions. A current, in-depth chapter on synthetic and fake stones should prove useful to anyone with a serious interest in rubies. An extensive review of mythological anecdotes provides fascinating light reading....Suitable for nonprofessionals, those associated with the gems industry, and readers interested in the historical and related aspects of rubies. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers/libraries." - Choice

Diane Morgan is Adjunct Professor of Religion and Philosophy, Department of Religion and Philosophy, Wilson College.