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| Home » Gemstones as Jewelry » Ruby » The Hixon Ruby Crystal |
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The Hixon Ruby Crystal |
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The Hixon Ruby Crystal is a variety of Burmese ruby. If you are talking about rubies then the particular variety which instantly comes to your mind is the Burmese ruby. Although rubies are available in Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Tanzania, Burma is the place which is mostly associated with ruby. It is one of the most precious stones, symbolic of love, passion and power.
From ancient times, rubies have been the most precious possession for people, especially those belonging to aristocracy. Rubies have been mentioned in religious texts like Bible and in ancient Indian scriptures. Ruby is supposed to be one of the twelve gems created by God. The word ruby is derived from the Latin word “ruber” meaning red. It has associations with Tuesday, summer season and St. Mathew.
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As far as Burmese rubies are concerned, Mogok, situated 400 miles away from Rangoon has become almost synonymous with rubies. Although it is not possible to state the exact date when rubies were first discovered in Mogok yet it is evident that rubies were available here right from the beginning of human settlement in this place. Various myths and legends are associated with rubies and Mogok.
Availability of rubies in large numbers has changed the economic condition of people in the region.
Large numbers of people from all over the world come here to trade in rubies. It is difficult for the tourists and travelers to resist the temptation of rubies. Exquisite pieces of jewelry made of Burmese rubies are quite common in collections of women belonging to well-to-do families.
One such beautiful piece of Burmese ruby can be seen in the Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles. The Hixon Ruby Crystal which is an example of the most perfect ruby crystal is possibly named after Frederick C. Hixon. He had donated the Hixon Ruby Crystal to the Museum of Natural History in 1978. The ruby weighing 196.10 carat is now on public display.
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