Calling all Cancers and Leos, your season is here − or it's fast approaching. So if you or a loved one is celebrating a birthday, you might want to narrow down some present ideas.

You could get something related to Zodiac signs or maybe gift a bouquet of their birth flowers. On top of these symbols, each month gets its own − if not several − gemstones.

Here's a guide to July's birthstone.

July birthstone 

Ruby is the birthstone for July. Its name derives from the Latin word "ruber," meaning red, according to the Geological Institute of America. The finest rubies are called "pigeon's blood" and are deep red with hints of purple.

Rubies get their iconic coloring from the element chromium. "The more chromium, the stronger the red," the Geological Institute of America reports.

Rubies have long been a symbol of power. It was often called the "king of precious stones" in ancient India due to its rarity and hardness (behind only diamonds). 

Throughout history, rubies have been associated with wisdom, wealth and success in love. This was a common belief in Medieval Europe, the Geological Institute of America reports. Some also thought that rubies could predict misfortune or danger or heal and other blood disorders, according to the International Gem Society. Burmese warriors would even wear rubies in battle since they believed the stone made them invincible, the Geological Institute of America reports.

Myanmar is one of the oldest sites for ruby mining. For over five centuries, the country's Mogok area has produced highly sought-after rubies, according to the Geological Institute of America. Vietnam is also a major source of the precious stone. Other countries that produce rubies include Mozambique, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania and Madagascar.

Besides being the birthstone for July, rubies are often given as gifts for the fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries.

What is my birthstone?Learn which gemstone represents your month and what it means.

Want to learn more about other month's birthstones?

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

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