The Fascinating World of Corundum
Corundum, a mineral whose beauty and resistance have made it a precious gem, is known for its red coloration, but its richness and variety go beyond this iconic hue. Let’s see what corundum is and what it is used for, we will immerse ourselves in the world of corundum, exploring its types, curiosities, properties, as well as its presence in nature and its spiritual meaning.
Types of Corundum
Corundum comes in various variants, each with unique characteristics. The best known variety is ruby, which shows intense red tones due to the presence of chromium in its composition. On the other hand, the blue variety, known as sapphire, is formed with the incorporation of titanium and iron. In addition, there are other less common varieties, such as yellow, green, purple and pink corundum, which are caused by the presence of different trace elements.
- Ruby: Corundum with an intense red color, the result of the presence of chromium in its composition.
- Sapphire: Corundum of all colors except red. Blue sapphires are the best known, but there are also pink, yellow, green and other sapphires.
- Padparadscha: A variety of sapphire that exhibits a unique orange-pink hue, compared to that of a blooming lotus.
- Starry corundum: It presents an optical effect called asterism, which produces a star of light on the surface of the mineral when exposed to light.
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What is Corundum used for and Curiosities
It has been appreciated throughout history by various cultures knowing what corundum is and what it is for. In ancient India, red corundum was believed to have healing properties and protect against disease. Currently, corundums are highly valued in the jewelry industry, especially in the manufacture of rings and necklaces. Additionally, synthetic corundum, created in laboratories, has gained popularity as an ethical alternative to natural gems.
In ancient times, Roman and Greek warriors wore corundum amulets in battle to protect themselves from injury and to instill courage and determination.
The star of a star corundum is caused by aligned mineral inclusions within the crystal that reflect light in a star shape. The more inclusions are present and the more perfectly they are aligned, the sharper the star will be.
Corundum has historically been used as a stone of protection in many cultures. It was believed to have the power to ward off evil and bring peace and harmony to its wearer.
What is Corundum and its Properties
Corundum is a crystalline aluminum oxide, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest minerals. Its hexagonal structure contributes to its exceptional resistance and characteristic shine. At a chemical level, corundum is unalterable by most atmospheric agents and is not affected by acids and bases, which gives it exceptional durability. This hardness makes it ideal for industrial applications in cutting tools, abrasives and high-strength components.
In addition to its hardness, corundum is notable for its high transparency to visible light, making it a popular choice in the manufacture of high-quality jewelry. Its vitreous shine and luster are highly prized in the world of fine jewelry.
Chemically, corundum is composed mainly of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and may contain traces of other elements such as iron, titanium and chromium, which give it its varied range of colors. With a density of around 4 grams per cubic centimeter, corundum is heavier than most gemstones, contributing to its solid and luxurious feel in jewelry.
Origin and Location in Nature
Corundum is found in sedimentary and metamorphic deposits. Emblematic places of its extraction include Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Australia. The geological formation is crucial for its quality and size, with deposits rich in impurities that give rise to the different colors.
Spiritual Meaning of Corundum
Throughout history, various cultures have wondered what corundum is and what it is for, attributing spiritual meanings to this mineral. This gem is believed to promote vitality, energy and passion. In the Vedic tradition of India, red corundum was associated with the sun and was considered a source of divine power. Today, corundum is said to improve concentration, strengthen determination, and promote self-expression.
