gemstone

Pink Sapphire (Corundum)

Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) with Chromium/Iron impurities

Hardness: 9 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink to magenta; Luster: Vitreous to sub-adamantine; Crystal system: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (has parting); Specific Gravity: 3.95-4.10

Hardness: 9 on Mohs scale
Color: Pink to magenta
Luster: Vitreous to sub-adamantine

Identified July 17, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 9 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink to magenta; Luster: Vitreous to sub-adamantine; Crystal system: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (has parting); Specific Gravity: 3.95-4.10

Formation & geological history

Formed in metamorphic rocks like marble or gneiss, and in igneous rocks like basalt or syenite. They are often recovered from secondary alluvial deposits (river beds) where they concentrate due to their high density.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as gemstones for jewelry (rings, necklaces) and collected as mineral specimens. Industrial corundum is used for abrasives and laser technology.

Geological facts

Sapphires and Rubies are the same mineral (Corundum); only the red variety is called ruby. Pink sapphire is often used as a more affordable alternative to pink diamonds.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its extreme hardness (can scratch glass and almost all other minerals) and its heavy weight for its size. Often found in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Myanmar.

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