Corundum: what is it, varieties, properties and applications

Corundum is a precious mineral, the most famous derivatives of which are sapphire and ruby. These stones are considered not just valuable gems, but the highest category of jewelry. In mineralogy, there is a group of corundums that are similar in structure, chemical and physical properties. For a long period of time, experts have identified varieties of corundum as separate types of natural stones.

After chemical science and geological research reached a certain level, data were obtained that allowed minerals to be combined into one group. All minerals differed only externally, but in their composition they were the same. Thus, a group of stones under the general name "corundum" was identified.

The history of corundum goes back many centuries. The incredible demand for this mineral arose as soon as its formations were discovered. Not all precious corundum subspecies are widespread and known, but, probably, everyone will be able to answer the question of what a ruby ​​or sapphire looks like.

But the question of the characteristics of corundum will cause difficulties for many, despite the fact that both known stones are formed from the same mineral. Corundum has a wide range of colors and varieties. Its cost is high, and its popularity among connoisseurs is enormous.

At first, it could only be purchased and worn by people belonging to the religious elite: priests or priests. Corundum began its distribution throughout the world from the territory of India, from there it got to European countries. The demand for corundum formed very quickly, stones became popular and in demand.

From the clergy, the stone moved to diplomacy, where it acquired a symbolic meaning. Gifts with blue or red corundum in the areas of high diplomacy were considered expressions of the deepest respect.

In Russia, the mineral was discovered in the middle of the last century. The domestic name for corundum is yahont. Scarlet yahont is the name of a ruby, and azure is a sapphire. The stone was highly valued by the Russian nobility in all historical times.

In different countries, corundum is called differently, and among the most spectacular names you will find the following:

• oriental diamond;
• violet;
• padparaja;
• oriental emerald;
• almandine sapphire;
• oriental amethyst.

Distinctive characteristics and description of the pure mineral:

• absolute transparency;
• the stone has no color due to the lack of pigment;
• luster of bright type, vitreous;
• incredible similarity to a diamond.

In most corundum deposits, pigmented minerals are found that contain various rock inclusions, for example, of the colloidal type. As for the colors, the palette of shades is impressive: blue and blue, red and scarlet, green, purple.

Today, there are nearly 20 times more sapphire corundum deposits than ruby ​​ones. The largest-scale mining of crystals is carried out in Asia. The development area is a quadrangle that includes Thailand, Myanmar, India and Sri Lanka. The world's most valuable premium rubies come from deposits in Sri Lanka and Myanmar, while elite sapphires come to the jewelry market from India.

In addition, corundum is mined in Tanzania and Australia. It is there that sapphires of rare shades are found - black, green. No less large deposits are located in the United States and in Canada.

As for the European mainland, corundum is found in Turkey, Greece, Norway. Domestic deposits are located in the Urals, in Primorye and near Krasnoyarsk. One of the most recent corundum mining sites, discovered not so long ago, is located in Kazakhstan.

In terms of chemical composition, the corundum group belongs to crystalline aluminum oxides. Stone is formed only where the rock contains a large amount of alumina, while silica should be in short supply. More than half of the composition of the mineral crystal is aluminum. Chemical formula – Al203.

The hardness and density of a pure stone is very high, it has a slightly gray shade, while the translucency of the mineral is excellent and the stone is completely transparent. The hardness index of corundum is in 2nd place after diamonds on the Mohs scale. Density - not less than 3.94 g / cm3.

Most often corundum contains natural inclusions of chromium, iron, manganese and titanium. These impurities give the final color of the mineral crystals, creating a richness of shades. Iron oxides give a yellowish tint, and the presence gland in its pure form creates Brown tone. Iron in conjunction with manganese gives corundum pink coloring.

Thanks to the inclusion of titanium, the mineral becomes sapphire, and in the presence of chromium, ruby ​​corundum is obtained.... To make the pigment richer and more saturated, weakly colored crystals are subjected to X-ray processing, and they become brighter. Heating the mineral, on the other hand, reduces the color intensity.For example, a purple-hued stone may turn slightly pinkish.

Corundum has magical and healing properties. By regularly wearing the stone, you can become an emotionally stable and self-confident person. It has a wonderful effect on memory and increases the ability to memorize, mobilizes the activity of the mind. Therefore, it is recommended to use it during training, as well as in the process of research or inventive work.

The influence of the stone differs depending on the type of jewelry in which it is located.

• Rings and signet rings. Such decorations have a positive effect on the talents hidden deep in a person, on the spiritual development of a person. If you constantly wear a ring with corundum on your hand, then you can suddenly awaken abilities that you did not even know about. For the effect to be most serious and strong, knowledgeable people advise wearing the ring only on the middle finger.
• Earrings. They perfectly influence an objective assessment of what is happening, you will be able to more realistically evaluate actions and deeds. If you are thinking about the meaning of life, wear corundum in earrings, it will help you understand not only this issue, but also in yourself, and will also lead you to inner harmony.
• Pendant and pendant. Suitable for those who need peace, balance. If you are unstable in terms of emotions, anxious, constantly worried, annoyed, aggressive - this is a decoration for you. It will help you become more focused, calm, and not suffer from fluctuations in emotions.

It is impossible not to mention the properties of a medicinal nature, since corundum in healing is considered one of the most effective minerals. The color depends on what effect the stone will have on the body and in what it can help.

For medicinal purposes, it is recommended to wear jewelry with corundum or have this stone in a bag with you. Such actions will help solve a number of health problems: restore immunity and normal functioning of internal organs. Ruby has a great effect on metabolism, it helps to cope with diseases of blood vessels, heart, circulatory system.

Blue minerals improve the functioning of the organs of vision, yellow have a beneficial effect on external health: skin, hair, nails, give the skin elasticity and freshness. If you want to improve the functioning of the digestive system or lose weight, then you should also use yellow stones. Red stones normalize blood pressure. Purple the color of the mineral will help with diseases of the nervous system, neuroses, anxiety, neuralgia and vascular problems. In cases of strokes, brain injuries, it is recommended to wear a stone of this particular shade.

The most valuable varieties of the mineral are sapphire and ruby, they are of the highest category among jewelry. Despite the similar composition and properties, the stones differ from each other.

Ruby has the following characteristics:

• has a red color of different shades;
• the palette ranges from juicy cherries and dark mahogany to faint, subtle tones of pink;
• saturated tones are valued higher (scarlet, cherry, burgundy, dark red);
• Category I stones in their price often exceed the cost of a diamond;
• high degree of transparency.

The corundum ruby ​​has several subspecies that have different characteristics.

• Star-shaped... A rare crystal that looks quite exotic due to its optical visual effect. If you look closely at the cut, you can see the outlines in the shape of a star.
• Ceylon. A very beautiful stone with a bright purple hue, shimmering with lilac.
• Siamese. The variety of shades ranges from brown and red to purple, while the minerals look expressive and beautiful.

Sapphire has the following features:

• unique transparency;
• the highest category among jewelry;
• the tint palette includes tones from pale blue to bright, catchy cornflower blue;
• the saturation of the shades is average, but the color itself is quite deep.

Corundum sapphires come in several varieties.

• Purple. This species is also called oriental amethyst, it has an attractive juicy purple color.
• Chlorosapphire. The most valuable of the sapphire spectrum is a stone with a greenish tone. This mineral is very similar to emerald, and only a specialist can distinguish them. Another name for chlorosapphire is oriental emerald.
• Padparadscha. Differs in bright tones of orange, yellow, pink in both light and dark spectrum of shades. In terms of transparency, all stones can be completely different.
• Leucosapphire. Its transparency characteristics are impeccable; it is this variety that is called the oriental diamond.
• Star-shaped... A rare variety that shares traits and effects with the ruby ​​of the same name. A stone of incredible clarity and transparency, very expensive and highly prized by collectors.

The use of precious corundum extends beyond jewelry. Opaque granular stone used in the abrasive industry... It is used to make polishing-type powders, grinding tools, abrasive objects.

Due to its resistance to high temperatures, corundum is successfully used in production of medical products, radio electronics. In addition, corundum is used in the manufacture of materials with thermal insulation properties. Another area where corundum properties are often applied is aviation industry. It is corundum that is used in the manufacture of a high-class glass substitute for windows not only for aircraft, but also for space rockets.

It is believed that corundum is a stone of people with energy, activity, determination and will to win. The properties of the stone allow you to direct people to the goal, to mobilize their internal resources. According to astrologers, this mineral is suitable for many signs of the zodiac.

For example, Aquarius, Cancer and Pisces can wear it without restrictions. For them, the mineral activates its best properties and allows you to attract positive energy waves that save you from negativity. Especially good will help corundum for those who are engaged in business or creative activities, as well as those whose energy protection is too weak.

Aries this crystal is almost completely inappropriate and it is best to avoid wearing it at a young age. If you are over 40 years old, then this restriction does not work for you. On the contrary, in maturity, Aries can extract a lot of useful things from the stone: success in personal life, career growth, awakening of talents.

It is strongly advised not to wear corundum Capricorn - of all 12 signs of the Zodiac, he alone is in no way compatible with the energy of this mineral. If you do not take into account such a discrepancy, then all the properties of the stone will begin to work in the opposite direction, against a person. As for the rest of the signs, they can wear jewelry with such a stone, but in combination with some other gem. For example, Taurus corundum is especially helpful in combination with turquoise, and Leo this mineral is best worn in combination with amber or brown agate.

In order for the stones to always have a spectacular look, it is necessary to properly care for them:

• periodically wipe the jewelry with a cloth dipped in a solution of ammonia and water;
• it is quite difficult to inflict mechanical damage on the stone, but it is necessary to periodically check the tightness of its fixing in the frame;
• keeping jewelry in the light, especially in direct sunlight, is strictly prohibited;
• it is impossible to overheat jewelry with natural stones, as their color can change, becoming lighter;
• Do not use chemicals or abrasives to clean corundum jewelry - prefer soapy water solutions.

At the end of the 19th century, the first synthetic corundum was produced, and since then artificial minerals have been grown in laboratories, which cannot be called fakes, but they have serious differences from natural gems. There are crystal growing laboratories in Russia, Germany, Switzerland. Since a natural crystal is very expensive, then artificial corundums are in great demand. Outwardly, they are very similar to natural minerals, but they are cheaper.

When buying products with natural stones, you need to be extremely careful, as there is a risk of buying a fake and paying 10 or even 100 times more than the product is actually worth. There are different ways to determine the origin of a mineral.

Each natural crystal has quality certificate, where the place of its extraction is indicated. If there is no certificate, and the product fell into your hands, bypassing the trade organization, you can independently check its quality, for example, by heating. Artificial crystals are heated to make their color more juicy, but if you heat such a stone again, it will brighten.

If you are planning to make a purchase of natural corundum, submit the product for evaluation, where a specialist will check it using a microscope or polariscope... Such an examination will help you determine the authenticity of the mineral and save you from acquiring a fake.

The following video will tell you about a simple way to distinguish a fake.