mineral

Small pink-red mineral fragment, possibly ruby or corundum

Corundum (Al₂O₃), unconfirmed; visual identification is uncertain

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pink-red, translucent fragment with a vitreous luster and irregular fracture; corundum has Mohs hardness 9 and a trigonal crystal structure, but these properties cannot be confirmed from the image.

Identified October 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Pink-red, translucent fragment with a vitreous luster and irregular fracture; corundum has Mohs hardness 9 and a trigonal crystal structure, but these properties cannot be confirmed from the image.

Formation & geological history

If corundum, it formed in aluminum-rich, silica-poor rocks or metamorphic deposits; its age and geological setting cannot be determined from appearance alone.

Uses & applications

Gem-quality corundum is cut as ruby or sapphire; lower-grade material is used as an abrasive and in industrial applications.

Geological facts

Red corundum is called ruby, but color alone cannot establish that this specimen is corundum or gem quality.

Field identification & locations

The small, hand-held fragment is insufficient for reliable identification; hardness testing, refractive measurements, or laboratory analysis would help distinguish it from other red minerals. Corundum occurs in places such as Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and India.