mineral
Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire (Corundum and Beryl)
Corundum (Al2O3) and Beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectRuby/Sapphire: Hardness 9, Hexagonal crystal system, Adamantine to Vitreous luster. Emerald: Hardness 7.5-8, Hexagonal crystal system, Vitreous luster, Specific Gravity 2.76.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire (Corundum and Beryl) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Ruby/Sapphire: Hardness 9, Hexagonal crystal system, Adamantine to Vitreous luster. Emerald: Hardness 7.5-8, Hexagonal crystal system, Vitreous luster, Specific Gravity 2.76.
Formation & geological history
Rubies and Sapphires form in metamorphic rocks like marble or igneous rocks like basalt. Emeralds typically form in hydrothermal veins or granitic pegmatites. Ages range from millions to over a billion years.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in high-end jewelry and as gemstones. Industrial-grade corundum is used as an abrasive or in laser technology.
Geological facts
The 'Big Three' gemstones. Ruby's red color comes from chromium, whereas Emerald's green is from chromium or vanadium, and Sapphire's blue is usually from iron and titanium.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by their distinct colors and high hardness. Found globally in locations like Myanmar, Sri Lanka (Corundum), and Colombia or Zambia (Emerald). Collectors look for clarity and saturation.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous