Hey there! As a supplier of Oval Ruby Corundum, I often get asked, "Is Oval Ruby Corundum durable?" Well, let's dive right into it and find out.
First off, let's understand what corundum is. Corundum is a crystalline form of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). When it comes to ruby corundum, the red color is due to the presence of chromium impurities in the corundum structure. Oval Ruby Corundum, as the name suggests, is shaped in an oval form, which is a popular choice for jewelry makers because of its elegant and classic look.
Now, onto the big question: durability. Durability in gemstones can be measured in a few different ways, mainly hardness, toughness, and stability.
Hardness
Hardness is a measure of a material's resistance to scratching. The Mohs scale is commonly used to measure the hardness of gemstones, ranging from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Corundum, including ruby corundum, has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. That's pretty darn hard! Only diamonds, with a hardness of 10, are harder than corundum. This means that Oval Ruby Corundum is highly resistant to scratches from most everyday materials. You don't have to worry too much about it getting scratched when it comes into contact with things like keys, coins, or other common objects in your pocket or purse.
For example, if you accidentally rub your Oval Ruby Corundum ring against a metal surface, it's very likely that the metal will get scratched before the ruby corundum does. This high level of hardness makes it suitable for use in various types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and earrings, that are likely to be exposed to regular wear and tear.
Toughness
Toughness is different from hardness. It refers to a material's ability to resist breaking, chipping, or cracking when subjected to impact or stress. While corundum is very hard, its toughness is considered good but not exceptional. Ruby corundum has some internal cleavage planes, which are areas where the crystal structure is weaker. If a strong enough impact is applied in the right direction, it could potentially cause the gemstone to chip or crack along these cleavage planes.
However, in normal circumstances, with proper care, this isn't a major concern. Jewelry makers are aware of these cleavage planes and take precautions when setting and handling Oval Ruby Corundum. For instance, they'll use settings that provide good support to the gemstone, reducing the risk of it getting damaged from impacts. So, while it's not indestructible, with reasonable care, Oval Ruby Corundum can withstand the rigors of daily wear.
Stability
Stability refers to a gemstone's resistance to chemical and environmental factors. Ruby corundum is quite stable in most normal environments. It's resistant to acids, alkalis, and most common chemicals. You don't have to worry about it getting damaged if it comes into contact with things like sweat, perfume, or mild cleaning agents.
However, extreme heat can be a problem. High temperatures can cause changes in the color or structure of the gemstone. For example, if you expose an Oval Ruby Corundum to a direct flame or very high - temperature industrial processes, it could potentially damage the gemstone. So, it's important to avoid exposing it to extreme heat sources.
Now, let's talk about how this durability compares to other types of corundum and gemstones.
If you're interested in other shapes of corundum, check out our Round Green Corundum and Round Ruby Corundum. These also have similar durability characteristics to Oval Ruby Corundum, but the different shapes might be more suitable for different jewelry designs.
Another popular option is our 8 Cushion Cut Ruby Corundum. The cushion cut gives it a unique look, and just like the oval shape, it benefits from the high hardness of corundum.
So, in conclusion, Oval Ruby Corundum is a durable gemstone. Its high hardness makes it resistant to scratches, and while its toughness and stability have some limitations, with proper care, it can last a lifetime. Whether you're a jewelry maker looking for a reliable gemstone for your designs or a consumer wanting a beautiful and long - lasting piece of jewelry, Oval Ruby Corundum is a great choice.
If you're interested in purchasing Oval Ruby Corundum or any of our other corundum products, I'd love to have a chat with you. We can discuss your specific needs, whether it's the size, quality, or quantity of the gemstones. Just reach out, and we can start the conversation about how we can work together to bring your jewelry ideas to life.
References
- "Gemstones of the World" by Walter Schumann
- "The Gemstone Encyclopedia" by Robert Weldon
