In ancient Sanskrit, what is the ruby referred to as?

In ancient Sanskrit, the ruby is referred to as "Ratnaraj." This term translates to "king of precious stones," highlighting the ruby's esteemed status among gemstones in historical and cultural contexts. Rubies have been highly valued for their beauty, rarity, and supposed metaphysical properties, earning them the title of "king" within the broader category of precious stones.

The significance of this designation reflects the importance of the ruby not only in jewelry but also in various cultural practices and beliefs, where it has been associated with power, protection, and love. Understanding this historical context enriches the study of colored stones, particularly in recognizing how different cultures have revered specific gems and assigned them titles that denote their value and significance.

Other choices do refer to different aspects of gemstones in Sanskrit but do not specifically denote the ruby as distinctly as "Ratnaraj" does. For instance, "Ratna" simply means "gem" in general, while "Ratnachakra" and "Ratan" are less specific in their associations with rubies.