Ruby is not my birthstone, but it is my very favorite gemstone! I dedicate this post to @silversaver888, who recently asked if I had a ruby in my collection of stones and said that is her birthstone.
On the Moh's Scale, diamond is rated the hardest material, at a solid 10. A few other minerals come in at 9.5, but do not lend themselves to being made into gemstones, except perhaps Moissanite, which can be lab-synthesized and was introduced to the jewel…
