Synthetic Rubies
Rubies are mainly aluminum oxide, which is white. The substitution of a small percentage of chromium ions for aluminum ions gives rubies their distinctive red color. Because natural rubies are rare, rubies are often manufactured. Interpreting Diagrams What substances are in the mixture used to make rubies?
Synthetic ruby
A synthetic ruby boule has a hexagonal crystal structure identical to the natural ruby gemstone. Its shape is determined by the arrangement of ions in the crystal.
Making synthetic rubies
One way of making synthetic rubies is called the pulled-growth method. It was invented by Polish scientist Jan Czochralski (1885–1953).