What is the Chemical name of Ruby?
VerifiedAnswer: Aluminium Oxide
Explanation:
Ruby is one of nature's most prized gemstones, known for its brilliant red color and exceptional hardness. From a chemical perspective, ruby is essentially crystalline aluminium oxide with the molecular formula Al₂O₃. This makes it identical in chemical composition to another well-known gemstone - sapphire.
The striking red color that distinguishes ruby from other forms of aluminium oxide comes from trace amounts of chromium (Cr³⁺) ions that substitute for some of the aluminium ions in the crystal structure. This chromium content typically ranges from 0.1% to 3%, and it's this small percentage that transforms colorless corundum into the magnificent red gemstone we call ruby.
Aluminium oxide in its pure form is actually colorless and transparent. The mineral name for crystalline aluminium oxide is corundum, which includes both rubies and sapphires. When corundum contains chromium and appears red, it's classified as ruby. When it contains other trace elements like iron, titanium, or vanadium and appears in colors other than red, it's called sapphire.
The chemical properties of ruby include: • High hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs scale (second only to diamond) • Excellent chemical stability and resistance to acids • High melting point of approximately 2,072°C • Trigonal crystal system structure • Specific gravity of about 4.0
Understanding that ruby's chemical name is aluminium oxide helps explain why it shares many physical properties with other forms of corundum, including exceptional durability and brilliance when properly cut and polished.
