trigonal Synthetic synthetic corundum
Flux-Grown Sapphire (Crystal)
Al2O3:Fe,Ti
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Flux-Grown Sapphire
#! System: Trigonal (-3m)
#! Habit: Tabular crystal from flux growth
trigonal[-3m]:{10-10}@1.0 + {10-11}@0.8 + {0001}@0.5
trigonal
-3m
{10-10} {10-11} {0001}
Quick Facts
Hardness
9.0
Specific Gravity
3.99
Refractive Index
1.762
Optical Character
Uniaxial -
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Open in PlaygroundPhysical Properties
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Hardness (Mohs)9.0
Specific Gravity3.99
FractureConchoidal
LustreVitreous to adamantine
Optical Properties
Refractive Index1.762
Birefringence0.008
Optical CharacterUniaxial -
Dispersion0.018
Pleochroismstrong: violetish-blue / greenish-blue
FluorescenceInert to weak
Origin & Identification
OriginSynthetic
Growth MethodFlux
ManufacturerChatham
First Produced1970
Diagnostic FeaturesFlux remnants (wispy veils), platinum platelets, characteristic flux fingerprint inclusions, no natural silk
Colours
BluePadparadschaYellow
Common Inclusions
Flux remnantsPlatinum plateletsFlux fingerprints
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Open in PlaygroundNatural Counterpart
The natural gem this synthetic imitates
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the trigonal system
