Thanks so much everybody. I am going to take it to a certified gemologist. In respect to a Ruby being an Islamic gemstone in Shia Islam, with a reference to Imam Ali who wore 5 different rings with gemstones (Turquoise, Ruby, Agate, Dur-e Najaf (quartz from Najaf Iraq) and on occasion Hematite when confronting an enemy. The jeweler never stated that it was an Islamic gemstone, but by Shia muslims it's significantly known to be a very powerful gemstone that symbolizes beauty. Just wanted to put this correction in.
I would say that it may be as much cultural as religious; many if not most Afghan men wear either turquoise or agate. I was told the turquoise was for good luck and agate was because the Prophet wore Agate. I never really saw much of either in Iraq or other Arab parts of the Mideast. I haven't seen Turks wearing much either. I suspect turquoise, agate, and other stones are quite popular in Iran as the share a lot of cultural interchange with Afganistan ( and also have/had historic turquoise mines).
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