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Al₂O₃
Ruby
July’s corundum is red only because of chromium, and the same mineral without that red is sapphire.
- Formula
- Al₂O₃
- Mohs hardness
- 9
- Crystal system
- trigonal
- Colour
- red
- Element
- fire
- Chakra (tradition)
- heart
- Zodiac
- Cancer, Leo, Capricorn, Scorpio
- Month
- July
- Where the earth keeps it
- Myanmar, Mozambique, Thailand
What it actually is
Ruby is Al₂O₃ before it is a story. The lattice is trigonal, Mohs 9, and the eye meets red.
The better pieces still come out of the ground in Myanmar, Mozambique, Thailand. July’s corundum is red only because of chromium, and the same mineral without that red is sapphire.
What the old tradition whispers
The parlour tradition ties Ruby to fire and to the heart centre. The old site stood it near: Cancer, Leo, Capricorn, Scorpio. Old tables sit it beside July.
How not to turn it to ash
A hard stone survives a daily ring, yet two diamonds in one box will scratch each other. Warm water and a soft cloth are enough.