Rock Identifier
Faceted red gemstone, likely ruby (Corundum (Al₂O₃), red variety colored mainly by chromium) — gemstone
gemstone

Faceted red gemstone, likely ruby

Corundum (Al₂O₃), red variety colored mainly by chromium

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 9; deep red, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal structure. The image shows a step-cut stone, but color and appearance alone cannot confirm natural ruby or distinguish it from synthetic corundum or imitation glass.

Identified More gemstone →
Explore Faceted red gemstone, likely ruby in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

Physical properties

Mohs hardness 9; deep red, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal structure. The image shows a step-cut stone, but color and appearance alone cannot confirm natural ruby or distinguish it from synthetic corundum or imitation glass.

Formation & geological history

Natural ruby forms when aluminum-rich rocks crystallize under high temperature and pressure, often in metamorphic marble or basalt-related deposits. Corundum spans geological ages; the image cannot establish this stone’s origin or age.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry and, in synthetic form, precision bearings, lasers, and watch components.

Geological facts

Ruby and sapphire are both varieties of corundum; chromium gives ruby its red color.

Field identification & locations

Confirm identity with gemological tests such as refractive index, inclusions, and spectroscopy; common sources include Myanmar, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. A photo cannot establish whether this is natural, synthetic, or an imitation.