Sapphires and rubies are both gem types of the mineral corundum. They have a similar substance piece and structure. Gems for the most part get their shading in light of specific metals or contaminations contained in the mineral. The debasements in corundum gems produce the huge scope of hues found. Sapphire and ruby crystals can develop to huge sizes (crystals have been discovered gauging in excess of a kilogram). Some of the time they contain considerations of crystal needles creating a six or twelve pointed star reflection. These are called star sapphires or rubies.

Sapphires

Sapphires contain hints of iron, titanium and nickel, giving them a scope of hues including green, yellow, blue, orange, dark and pink. Blue sapphires are the most widely recognized and gems with a rich blue to violet shading are the most attractive. Used alone, the word 'sapphire' signifies blue corundum. At the point when the shade of a sapphire isn't blue, the color is used in the name, for instance, pink sapphire, yellow sapphire, or green sapphire.

Rubies

Rubies are the red variety of corundum and they contain chromium. A limited quantity of chromium in corundum will deliver a pink shading, but to be viewed as a genuine ruby, there must be sufficient chromium for the gem to be an unmistakably red, or marginally purplish-red shading. Once in a while corundum is warmed to draw out the red shading.

Properties

Ruby and sapphires are both made of corundum (aluminum oxide - Al2O3). Corundum is one of the hardest known regular substance after diamonds. Likewise, in light of the fact that corundum is so difficult and impervious to change, it can likewise be found in sedimentary stores and sedimentary rocks. This mineral is additionally known for its high thickness which is irregular for a straightforward mineral.

The Properties of corundum (sapphire and ruby)

Substance Symbol – Al2O3

Name –                The word sapphire originates from the Greek word for blue, sapphirus; ruby originates from the Latin word for red, ruber; and corundum originates from Sanskrit word that implies ruby, kurundam.

Relative density – 4 g/cm3

Hardness – 9 on Mohs Scale

Used of Ruby and Sapphire

The hardness of corundum additionally makes it an incredible material for mechanical abrasives. It is utilized to make crushing wheels, emery paper, and rough powders utilized for granulating and cleaning. Corundum is additionally used to make electronic instruments, segments and windows that are scratch-and UV-safe.

Metal and plastics watch operate with springs, plates and little wheels. Pink hued ruby crystals are implanted in a portion of the metal circles in the watch

The first working laser was made by Hughes Research Labs in 1960. The instrument contained a ruby crystal that created an exceptional light emission when impacted by power. Today lasers contain manufactured corundum, and are utilized in standardized tag scanners, rangefinders, printers, for trimming intense materials, hair and tattoo expulsion, and in medical procedure.