A Good Ruby Simulant Could Be Made From Red Corundum: Exploring Alternatives to Natural Rubies

Ruby is one of the most important gemstones, once used in religious ceremonies and royal jewelry, but its rarity and high price put it out of reach for most people. But now, ruby imitations, also known as synthetic lab gemstones, which are man-made materials designed to mimic the appearance and physical properties of natural rubies, are an affordable alternative. One of the best materials for making realistic ruby ​​imitations is red corundum. In this blog, we will explore what makes red corundum an ideal ruby ​​substitute, how it is produced, how it works, and why it is so popular in the jewelry industry.

Table of Contents

1. What is Red Corundum?
2. Why Red Corundum is a Great Ruby Simulant
   1. Visual Similarity
   2. Hardness and Durability
   3. Affordability
3. How Red Corundum is Created
4. Natural Rubies vs. Red Corundum Simulants
5. Uses of Red Corundum in Jewelry
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Red Corundum?

Corundum is a crystalline form of aluminum oxide and is one of the hardest minerals on Earth (9 on the Mohs scale). Ruby and sapphire both belong to the corundum family, with the main difference being color. Red corundum is simply corundum that contains trace amounts of chromium (≥0.1%), which gives it a rich red hue—the same as natural ruby.

When gemologists refer to synthetic or imitation rubies made from red corundum, they are talking about laboratory-grown versions of the same material as natural rubies. These lab-grown gems have many of the physical and chemical properties of natural rubies, but at a fraction of the cost.

Why Red Corundum is a Great Ruby Simulant

There are many reasons why red corundum is an excellent ruby ​​substitute. When compared side by side with natural ruby, red corundum is almost indistinguishable to the naked eye. In addition, its physical properties are the same as natural ruby, and repeated tests of refractive index and birefringence have shown no significant difference between the two, which is the main reason why consumers are willing to use this alternative gemstone, they want the beauty of ruby, but do not want to spend too much money.

1. Visual Similarity

One of the most important factors in determining the effectiveness of a gemstone imitation is how similar it looks to the natural gemstone. Red corundum is almost identical to natural ruby ​​in color, luster, and transparency. Chromium gives natural ruby ​​its signature red color, and red corundum also contains chromium, which gives ruby ​​its deep red color.

After professional cutting and polishing, red corundum will show the same brightness and fire as natural ruby, and even experienced gemologists will find it difficult to distinguish the two without professional equipment. This visual similarity and physical similarity make red corundum one of the best ruby ​​imitations on the market. To truly identify, you need to rely on more sophisticated large-scale instruments such as infrared spectrometers, electron microprobes, etc.

2. Hardness and Durability

One of the reasons rubies are so popular in jewelry is their exceptional hardness, which makes them resistant to scratches and everyday wear and tear. Natural rubies rank 9th on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the hardest gemstones after diamond and moissanite. Red corundum has the same hardness because it is composed of the same aluminum oxide mineral.

Due to its durability, red corundum is an excellent choice for rings, necklaces, and other jewelry that is worn frequently. It can withstand daily use without scratching or chipping, making it a practical and long-lasting alternative to natural rubies.

3. Affordability

While natural rubies cost thousands of dollars per carat, red corundum is much cheaper. This affordability is because red corundum can be mass-produced in laboratories and can produce flawless gems in a controlled environment. This flawlessness means that its clarity, color, and transparency are all top-notch, without some of the flaws in natural gemstones. Therefore, people do not need to spend a lot of money to enjoy the beauty of perfect rubies.

Therefore, the use of artificial rubies in the jewelry market has given us obvious feedback. Most people are more willing to accept the price of artificial rubies and pursue a more extreme cost-effectiveness.

How Red Corundum is Created

Red corundum is produced through a process called crystal growth. In the laboratory, the raw materials that make up natural corundum (aluminum oxide and chromium) are mixed together and placed under extremely high temperatures to promote crystal formation. This process simulates the natural conditions in which rubies form deep in the earth, but can be completed in a fraction of the time.

There are several ways to grow synthetic corundum, but one of the most common is the Verneuil method. This method involves melting aluminum oxide powder and chromium in an oxyhydrogen flame and allowing the molten material to crystallize as it cools. The result is a single crystal of red corundum, which can then be cut and polished into a gemstone. In 1963, Chatham Corporation in the United States used the flux method to synthesize a new synthetic ruby, called Chatham ruby. These flux-processed synthetic rubies are similar to natural rubies in appearance. There are also hydrothermal synthetic rubies, which are closer to natural rubies than flux-processed synthetic rubies. The most important identification feature is still the presence of seed crystals; in addition, some "breadcrumb-like" inclusions can sometimes be seen; some have some micro-rippled textures.

Because the growth process is controlled, it is possible to produce red corundum without the inclusions and blemishes commonly found in natural rubies. This means that red corundum imitations are often flawless, with excellent clarity and uniform color.

Natural Rubies vs. Red Corundum Simulants

Red corundum is chemically and physically similar to natural ruby, but there are some key differences to note. Understanding these differences can help us make more informed decisions when purchasing ruby jewelry.

In most cases, the biggest difference between a natural ruby and a red corundum simulant is the price. Natural rubies are rare and valuable due to the millions of years it takes for them to form and the various environmental factors that influence their color and quality. Red corundum, on the other hand, can be produced quickly and at a lower cost, making it a more budget-friendly option.

Uses of Red Corundum in Jewelry

Red corundum simulants are used in a wide variety of jewelry pieces, including rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Because they are visually indistinguishable from natural rubies, they are often used as an alternative in designs where a natural ruby would typically be featured.

Some popular uses of red corundum in jewelry include:

• Engagement Rings: Red corundum is a popular choice for engagement rings due to its beautiful red color and high durability. It is often set in white gold or platinum to highlight its brilliance.
• Earrings and Necklaces: Red corundum simulants are frequently used in earrings and necklaces, offering a vibrant pop of color without the premium price of natural rubies.
• Statement Jewelry: For those looking to make a bold fashion statement, red corundum can be used in large cocktail rings or other statement pieces that feature large, flawless gemstones at an affordable price.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can you tell the difference between red corundum and natural rubies?
   To the naked eye, red corundum is almost identical to a natural ruby. Gemologists use specialized equipment to detect subtle differences in the stone’s internal structure and inclusions.
2. Is red corundum durable enough for everyday wear?
   Yes, red corundum ranks 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making it highly resistant to scratches and ideal for everyday wear.
3. How is red corundum different from a synthetic ruby?
   Red corundum and synthetic rubies are essentially the same thing, both lab-grown and identical to natural rubies in terms of chemical composition and physical properties.
4. Can red corundum be used in fine jewelry?
   Absolutely! Red corundum is frequently used in fine jewelry, from engagement rings to luxury necklaces. Its affordability and durability make it a popular choice among jewelers.
5. How should I care for red corundum jewelry?
   Red corundum is easy to care for. Clean it with mild soap and water, and store it separately from other gemstones to avoid scratches.

In conclusion, red corundum offers an excellent alternative to natural rubies, combining beauty, durability, and affordability. Whether you're looking for a stunning engagement ring or a statement necklace, red corundum simulants are a fantastic option that delivers the brilliance of a ruby without the hefty price tag.