65 - Corundum

Hello friends, Welcome to the Mineral Repository at the department of geology, Shivaji science college, Nagpur. I am Corundum, a captivating mineral of elegance and strength. I belong to oxide family. A naturally occurring aluminum oxide mineral having sturdy structure, making me one of the hardest minerals known to Earth, after diamond. You might recognize me as the gemstone Ruby and Sapphire, each possessing its unique allure. Ruby, with its deep red hue, symbolizes passion and vitality, while Sapphire, in its myriad colors, embodies wisdom and royalty. I am found in diverse countries of the world, from the depths of the earth to the sparkling riverbeds. As you hold me in your hand, feel the weight of history and the brilliance of nature's artistry. I am a rock forming mineral. I am naturally transparent, but can have different colors depending on the presence of transition metal impurities in its crystalline structure. My name “corundum” originates from the Tamil-Dravidian word kurundam meaning ruby and Sapphire. I am commonly used as an abrasive on sandpaper and on large tools used in machining metals, plastics, and wood. I occur in metamorphic and low silica igneous rocks. I am mostly mined in Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, and India. People often admire my beauty and durability, making me a prized gemstone in jewelry industry. As you hold me in your hand, feel the weight of history and the brilliance of nature's artistry. Thank you for visiting.