The Specimen Library / History, Lore & Tradition

Corundum / Ruby & Sapphire · Human Story

Aluminum oxide / mineral species and gem varieties

A closer look beyond the specimen label.

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Corundum / Ruby & Sapphire
C&C archive · Ruby-labelled specimens; locality and treatment not established by the photograph

The human story, examined

Documented history, historical belief and contemporary crystal practice are different parts of the story. Each is identified here on its own terms.

The human story

Ruby names red gem corundum; sapphire covers the other gem colors. Color boundaries and trade descriptions need care.

Reading a name carefully

What has the report established: species, natural origin, treatment or geographic origin? Read its actual scope.

Sources & further reading

References are labeled by role. A source documenting a belief is not evidence of a medical or mineralogical effect. Reflection prompts are C&C editorial suggestions.

Adjacent drawers

Related Specimens

The cabinet

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