Home > Earth Science > Minerals and Mineral Groups

Why is a ruby gemstone considered to be a solution?

Answer 1

Rubies are a solution of Aluminum Oxide and Chromium

Ruby is a form of corundum a compound of aluminum oxide #Al_2O_3#

Diamonds are the only gem stone that is harder than this compound, which rates a 9 out of 10.

The most common forms of corundum are blue sapharia and red ruby, though other forms are referred to as fancy corundum. The color of corundum varies greatly depending on the trace chemicals dissolved into the compound.

The red color of the ruby is caused by the dissolution of a chromium ion in the corundum crystal, which forms the ruby.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer 2

Leo Arens

A ruby gemstone is considered to be a solution because it is a crystalline form of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) with trace amounts of chromium. The chromium atoms substitute for some of the aluminum atoms in the crystal lattice, creating the red color characteristic of rubies. This solid solution of chromium in aluminum oxide gives the ruby its unique properties and appearance.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.