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.
- ISBN10 6611202803
- ISBN13 9786611202804
- Publish Date 1 January 2008 (first published 30 November 2007)
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 27 September 2011
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Greenwood Publishing Group
- Format eBook
- Pages 192
- Language English