Corundum definitions
| Word backwards | mudnuroc |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The word "corundum" is a noun. |
| Syllabic division | co-run-dum |
| Plural | The plural of the word corundum is corundums. |
| Total letters | 8 |
| Vogais (2) | o,u |
| Consonants (5) | c,r,n,d,m |
What is Corundum?
Corundum is a mineral form of aluminum oxide that is commonly found in a crystalline form. It is one of the hardest minerals on earth, second only to diamond, making it highly valued in the world of gemstones. Its hardness is primarily due to the strong bonding of its aluminum and oxygen atoms, which form a three-dimensional hexagonal crystal structure.
Properties of Corundum
Corundum is typically found in a range of colors, with red corundum being known as ruby, and all other colors classified as sapphire. The rich red hue of rubies is due to the presence of chromium, while sapphires can be found in a variety of colors including blue, yellow, green, orange, pink, purple, and even colorless. In addition to its color variations, corundum also exhibits a high level of transparency and a vitreous luster.
Uses of Corundum
Due to its hardness and durability, corundum is widely used in various industrial applications. One of its most common uses is as an abrasive, in products such as sandpaper and grinding wheels. It is also used in the production of laser components, as the high purity of synthetic corundum makes it an ideal material for laser technology. In addition, corundum is used in the manufacturing of watch glasses and other optical components due to its high transparency and scratch resistance.
Interesting Facts about Corundum
One interesting fact about corundum is that it is highly resistant to chemical attack, making it extremely versatile and long-lasting. Another fascinating aspect is that corundum is sometimes found in a star-shaped pattern, known as asterism, which is caused by light reflecting off needle-like inclusions within the crystal structure. Star sapphires and rubies are highly sought after for their unique optical phenomenon.
Corundum Examples
- The jewelry store showcased a stunning necklace featuring a large, sparkling corundum gemstone.
- Corundum is commonly used in the manufacturing of abrasives due to its hardness and durability.
- The watchmaker chose corundum as the material for the watch's scratch-resistant crystal.
- Miners in Sri Lanka unearthed a rare corundum deposit, causing excitement in the gemstone market.
- Corundum is often found in shades of red, blue, and yellow, depending on impurities present in the crystal.
- Engineers use synthetic corundum in the production of precision instruments for its resistance to wear and tear.
- Due to its high melting point, corundum is utilized in the manufacturing of refractory products such as kiln linings.
- The ancient Greeks believed that corundum had protective properties, making it a popular choice for amulets.
- Corundum-based polishing compounds are commonly used in the optical industry to achieve a flawless finish on lenses.
- Some varieties of corundum, such as rubies and sapphires, are highly sought after for their beauty and rarity.