Ruby

Ruby is a gemstone variety of the aluminum oxide mineral corundum (Al2O3). The red color from which its name is derived (the Latin word ruber translates to ‘red’ in English) is related to the presence of trace amounts of chromium in the mineral structure. Ruby is a precious stone commonly used in jewelry, together with sapphire, emerald and diamond.


Information source: Mindat.org

Image: Ruby crystals found in Vietnam. Source: Parent Géry, Wikimedia Commons.

Sapphire

Sapphire is a gemstone variety of the aluminum oxide mineral corundum (Al2O3). It often has a blue color (the Greek word sappheiros translates to ‘blue stone’ in English), which is the result of the incorporation of trace amounts of iron in the mineral structure. Sapphire is a precious stone commonly used in jewelry, together with ruby, emerald and diamond.


Information source: Mindat.org

Image: Sapphire crystals found in Pakistan. Source: Parent Géry, Wikimedia Commons.