Image: James St. John (CC BY 2.0)
trigonalrareOxides
Ruby
Al2O3
The image displays several deep red, hexagonal prismatic crystals of ruby, varying in size, showcasing their characteristic color and crystal habit.
Ruby Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
9Crystal System
trigonalLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
none (parting often present)Fracture
conchoidal to unevenSpecific Gravity
3.95Colors
red, pinkish-red, purplish-redTransparency
transparent to translucentType Locality
Mogok (Myanmar), Thailand, Sri Lanka, TanzaniaMineral Group
OxidesUses
jewelry, gemstone, collectorAssociated Minerals
spinel, garnet, kyanite, feldspar, calciteRarity
rareGeological Context
Ruby forms in metamorphic rocks such as marble and gneiss, or in certain igneous rocks like basalt. It crystallizes under high temperature and pressure conditions, often in aluminum-rich environments.
