Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(red). A ruddy, valuable gem; but the original word is thought to mean coral or pearl (Job 28:18; Prov. 3:15).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
To what precious stone this word refers is not definitely known. It is mentioned as a symbol of preciousness: as “the price of wisdom is above rubies”; the value of a virtuous woman is far above rubies (Job 28:18; Prov. 3:15; Prov. 8:11; Prov. 20:15; Prov. 31:10). In Lamentations 4:7, where the Nazarites are said to be “more ruddy in body than rubies,” some translate “corals,” though the Hebrew is the same. Bochart judges “pearls” to be intended.
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Meaning:
or paniy {paw-nee'}; from the same as 6434; probably a pearl (as round)