by Sapphire
Sapphire is a precious gemstone primarily composed of corundum, an aluminum oxide mineral with traces of iron, titanium, chromium, vanadium, or magnesium, which lend it its characteristic blue color. It is one of the hardest known natural materials, second only to diamond on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. While sapphires are most commonly associated with a deep blue hue, they can occur in a range of colors, except red, which are classified as rubies. Due to its exceptional hardness, sapphire finds extensive use in various industries, including as a crucial component in the manufacturing of electronic devices, optical windows, and high-quality jewelry. Its rarity, durability, and alluring appearance make sapphire highly valued and sought after worldwide.
Physical Properties:
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Mineral Composition:
Sapphire is primarily composed of corundum, which is an aluminum oxide mineral (Al₂O₃).
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Hardness:
It ranks 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making it one of the hardest known natural materials.
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Color:
While blue is the most common color, sapphires can occur in various colors, including yellow, green, purple, orange, and pink. Red corundum is classified as a ruby.
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Luster:
Sapphires have a vitreous (glass-like) luster when cut and polished.
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Transparency:
They are typically transparent to translucent.
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Crystal System:
Sapphire belongs to the hexagonal crystal system.
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Specific Gravity:
The specific gravity of sapphire ranges from approximately 3.95 to 4.03.
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Cleavage:
It exhibits no cleavage, meaning it does not break along flat planes.
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Fracture:
Sapphires have a conchoidal fracture, similar to glass.
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Streak:
The streak of sapphire is white.
Chemical Properties:
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Chemical Formula:
Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide)
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Composition:
Apart from aluminum and oxygen, sapphires may contain traces of elements like iron, titanium, chromium, vanadium, or magnesium, which contribute to its coloration.
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Resistance to Chemicals:
Sapphire is highly resistant to chemical attack, making it durable and suitable for various industrial applications.
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Reactivity:
It is generally chemically inert and does not readily react with acids or bases.
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Melting Point:
The melting point of sapphire is approximately 2040 degrees Celsius (3704 degrees Fahrenheit).
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Electrical Conductivity:
It is an electrical insulator and does not conduct electricity.
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Optical Properties:
Sapphires have excellent optical properties, including high refractive index and dispersion, making them valuable in the field of optics.
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Thermal Conductivity:
Sapphire has relatively high thermal conductivity, making it useful in applications involving high temperatures.
Ruby
Ruby is a precious gemstone renowned for its striking red coloration, derived from the mineral corundum, which consists of aluminum oxide with traces of chromium. This vivid red hue is considered one of the most desirable and valuable among gemstones. Like sapphire, which is also a form of corundum, ruby ranks high on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, second only to diamond, making it exceptionally durable and suitable for jewelry. Rubies have been treasured for centuries and are associated with attributes like passion, love, and vitality. Beyond its ornamental use, ruby has applications in advanced technologies, including laser systems, due to its exceptional optical properties. Myanmar, specifically the Mogok Valley, is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest rubies.
Physical Properties:
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Mineral Composition:
Ruby is primarily composed of corundum, which is an aluminum oxide mineral (Al₂O₃).
- Hardness:
It ranks 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making it one of the hardest known natural materials.
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Color:
Ruby is known for its vivid red color, which is caused by the presence of chromium in the crystal structure.
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Luster:
Rubies have a vitreous (glass-like) luster when cut and polished.
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Transparency:
They are typically transparent to translucent.
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Crystal System:
Ruby belongs to the hexagonal crystal system.
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Specific Gravity:
The specific gravity of ruby ranges from approximately 3.97 to 4.05.
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Cleavage:
It exhibits no cleavage, meaning it does not break along flat planes.
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Fracture:
Rubies have a conchoidal fracture, similar to glass.
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Streak:
The streak of ruby is white.
Chemical Properties:
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Chemical Formula:
Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide)
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Composition:
Besides aluminum and oxygen, rubies contain traces of chromium, which is responsible for its red color.
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Resistance to Chemicals:
Ruby is highly resistant to chemical attack, making it durable and suitable for various applications.
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Reactivity:
It is generally chemically inert and does not readily react with acids or bases.
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Melting Point:
The melting point of ruby is approximately 2040 degrees Celsius (3704 degrees Fahrenheit).
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Electrical Conductivity:
Ruby is an electrical insulator and does not conduct electricity.
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Optical Properties:
Rubies have excellent optical properties, including high refractive index and dispersion, making them valuable in the field of optics.
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Thermal Conductivity:
Ruby has relatively high thermal conductivity, making it useful in applications involving high temperatures.
Important Differences between Sapphire and Ruby
| Basis of Comparison | Sapphire | Ruby |
| Color | Blue (though can be other colors) | Vivid Red |
| Primary Element | Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃) | Aluminum Oxide with Chromium (Al₂O₃:Cr) |
| Typical Colors | Blue, but can occur in various colors | Red (variations of red are sought after) |
| Mohs Hardness | 9 (second hardest natural mineral) | 9 (second hardest natural mineral) |
| Luster | Vitreous (glass-like) | Vitreous (glass-like) |
| Transparency | Transparent to Translucent | Transparent to Translucent |
| Value | Generally less valuable than rubies | Generally more valuable than sapphires |
| Optical Properties | Excellent refractive index and dispersion | Similar to Sapphire |
| Applications | Jewelry, Electronics, Optics, Industrial Uses | Jewelry, Collector’s Stones |
| Typical Locations | Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Madagascar, etc. | Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Sri Lanka, etc. |
| Trace Elements | Iron, Titanium, Chromium, Vanadium, etc. | Chromium (for red color) |
| Rarity | Common (depending on color) | Rarer (especially high-quality, vivid red) |
| Symbolism | Associated with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility | Associated with love, passion, and power |
| Historical Significance | Used in ancient rituals and beliefs | Historically prized for its vibrant red color |
| Industrial Uses | Used in various industries for its hardness and optical properties | Limited industrial applications, primarily used in jewelry |
Important Similarities between Sapphire and Ruby
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Mineral Composition:
Both sapphire and ruby are primarily composed of corundum, which is an aluminum oxide mineral (Al₂O₃).
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Hardness:
They are among the hardest natural materials, both ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
- Luster:
Both exhibit a vitreous (glass-like) luster when cut and polished.
- Transparency:
They are typically transparent to translucent.
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Crystal System:
Both sapphire and ruby belong to the hexagonal crystal system.
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Specific Gravity:
They have similar specific gravity, ranging from approximately 3.95 to 4.05.
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Cleavage:
Neither exhibits cleavage, meaning they do not break along flat planes.
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Fracture:
Both have a conchoidal fracture, similar to glass.
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Streak:
The streak of both sapphire and ruby is white.
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Chemical Formula:
They share the same chemical formula, Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide).
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Resistance to Chemicals:
Both are highly resistant to chemical attack, making them durable and suitable for various applications.
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Reactivity:
They are generally chemically inert and do not readily react with acids or bases.
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Melting Point:
They have a similar melting point of approximately 2040 degrees Celsius (3704 degrees Fahrenheit).
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Electrical Conductivity:
Both are electrical insulators and do not conduct electricity.
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Optical Properties:
They have excellent optical properties, including high refractive index and dispersion, making them valuable in the field of optics.
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