Synthetic Corundum
Aluminum Oxide var. Synthetic Pink Sapphire · Synthetic Gemstone / Industrial Material
Crystal System
Trigonal, barrel-shaped boule or flame-fusion droplet habit
Mineral Group
Oxides
Chemical Formula
Al2O3 (with trace amounts of Cr3+)
Formation Process
High-temperature synthetic fusion process involving melting powdered alumina and colorants in an oxyhydrogen flame.
About This Crystal
Small, tumbled, or droplet-shaped specimen exhibiting vibrant pinkish-red coloration with prominent curved growth lines (striae), which are characteristic of the Verneuil flame-fusion growth method. The luster is vitreous and transparency ranges from translucent to transparent.
Physical Characteristics
Bright pink color with white curved growth banding, white streak, conchoidal fracture, no distinct cleavage, specific gravity of approximately 3.98-4.10, brittle tenacity, and strong red fluorescence under UV light.
Optical Properties
Singly refractive with uniaxial negative optical character, refractive indices of approximately 1.762-1.770, strong dichroism visible in natural corundum though less distinct in heavily colored synthetics.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Laboratory-grown via Verneuil flame-fusion process
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 9, excellent toughness and wearability, highly stable against most chemicals and heat, making it exceptionally durable for everyday jewelry use.
Care & Maintenance
Safe to clean with warm soapy water, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners. Store separately to avoid scratching softer gemstones. Resistant to fading and common household chemicals.
Rarity & Value
Common and inexpensive due to mass production via laboratory growth methods, though widely used in both jewelry and precision instrumentation.
Special Characteristics
Displays curved striae (growth lines) and occasional gas bubbles under magnification, which are definitive diagnostic indicators of the Verneuil synthetic manufacturing process.
Lore & History
While synthetic, it shares the traditional symbolic associations of pink sapphire and ruby representing love, compassion, and emotional healing in modern crystal lore, though it holds no historical antiquity.