Process diagram for making synthetic rubies. There are three specified steps in the diagram. Step 1 involves melting aluminum oxide and chromium oxide inside a crucible with a heater. A seed crystal is placed on a rod above the melted elements. Step 2 involves lowering the seed crystal into the melt to form a ruby. The rod i slowly lifted, and ions in the melt begin to attach themselves, to the seed crystal to form a ruby. Step 3 involves lifting the rod out and creating a boule shape, which cools and then can be cut into various forms.