About Corundum
Aluminum oxide, an extremely hard mineral second only to diamond. Gem varieties are Ruby (red) and Sapphire (all other colors). Generally, it's a stone of wisdom, strength, ambition, and mental clarity.
Primary Hues
Colorless, Grey, Brown, (Ruby: Red), (Sapphire: Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green, Purple, Orange, etc.)
Metaphysical Properties
A stone of wisdom and strength. Believed to stimulate ambition, confidence, and bring peace of mind. (Specific properties for Ruby/Sapphire).
Associated Tarot Cards
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The Emperor (Ruby)
Type: Major Arcana
Rationale: Represents leadership- power- and earthly authority- aligning with Ruby's properties.
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The Hierophant (Sapphire)
Type: Major Arcana
Rationale: Symbolizes spiritual wisdom- truth- and higher learning- resonating with Sapphire's energy.
Associated Deities
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Ares/Mars (Ruby)- Zeus/Jupiter (Sapphire)
Pantheon: Greek/Roman
Domain: Varies: War/Passion (Ruby)- Sky/Wisdom (Sapphire)
Rationale: The specific deity association depends on the color and variety of Corundum.
Metaphysical Uses
Manifestation & Focus Altar
Leadership & Courage Rituals (Ruby)
Spiritual Wisdom Meditation (Sapphire)
Please read our Metaphysical Disclaimer
Geological & Scientific Details
Corundum is classified as a oxide mineral – hematite group mineral which typically crystallizes in the trigonal system. Its chemical formula is Al2O3. Common crystal habits include steep bipyramidal, tabular, prismatic, rhombohedral crystals, massive or granular.
Key Geological Properties:
- Mineral Category: Oxide mineral – Hematite group
- Chemical Formula: Al2O3
- IMA Symbol: Crn[1]
- Crystal System: Trigonal
- Predominant Geological Color: Colorless, gray, golden-brown, brown; purple, pink to red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet; may be color zoned, asteriated mainly grey and brown
- Crystal Habit: Steep bipyramidal, tabular, prismatic, rhombohedral crystals, massive or granular
- Twinning: Polysynthetic twinning common
- Cleavage: None – parting in 3 directions
- Luster: Adamantine to vitreous
- Streak: Colorless
- Diaphaneity: Transparent, translucent to opaque
Associated Minerals
- Ruby (variety)
- Sapphire (variety)
- Spinel
- Chrysoberyl
- Garnet
- Kyanite
- Diaspore (common in various metamorphic and igneous rocks, and alluvial deposits)