Corundum Collection

Crucifix set with sapphires, zircon, spinel, cairngorm and amethyst. The whole cross is bordered by diamonds

Prospecting for sapphires and rubies (chromolitho)
2788860 Prospecting for sapphires and rubies (chromolitho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Prospecting for sapphires and rubies)

Oxides, magnetite, corundum, cassiterite, zircon, pitchblende, limonite (colour litho)
2797883 Oxides, magnetite, corundum, cassiterite, zircon, pitchblende, limonite (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Oxides, magnetite, corundum)

Precious stones including diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald.. Chromolithograph from Dr. Adolph Kenngotts Mineralogy section in Gotthilf Heinrich von Schuberts Natural History, Schreiber, Munich

Corundum variety ruby; crystal and gems
Crystal and gem specimens of ruby, the red variety of the mineral corundum (aluminium oxide). Corundum has two varieties, the other being sapphire

Sapphire Buddha pin less then two centimetres tall. Sapphie is so hard it would have needed something as hard or harder to shape it, most probably another Sapphire

Five polished ruby gemstones

Brilliant-cut Sapphire

Yellow sapphire C016 / 6139
Yellow sapphire from Sri Lanka. It weighs 101 carats and was acquired by the Natural History Museum, London, UK, in 1874

Cursed amethyst C016 / 6143
Cursed amethyst. When this amethyst was received by the museum in 1943 a note inside the box read this stone is trebly accursed and is stained with the blood

Ruby C016 / 5626
Ruby. Ruby is a variety of corundum, which is the second hardest natural substance known on Earth. This specimen is originally from Aust-Agder, Norway

Ruby and sapphire specimens C016 / 4860
Ruby and sapphire specimens. Crystals of ruby, the red variety of corundum (aluminium oxide). The other gemstones present here (blue-white) are sapphires. The rubies are from Burma

Sapphire crystal C013 / 6673
Sapphire crystal. Sapphire is a blue variety of corundum (aluminium oxide), the second hardest known mineral. Specimen from Olberg, Rheinland, Germany

Orange sapphire gemstone C013 / 6664
Orange sapphire gemstone. Sapphires belong to the corundum group, the second-hardest mineral group known. This is a rare hexagonal-cut orange sapphire from Sri Lanka

Watch Movement, SEM
Part of a mechanical watch movement, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The image shows some of the jewels used as bearings in a wristwatch

Diamond flower brooch
Victorian diamond-encrusted flower with a sapphire at its centre

Yellow sapphire from Sri Lanka, 101 carats. Acquired by the museum in 1874

Padparadscha is one of the most unusual varieties of the mineral corundum

Blue sapphire
Sri Lankan specimen of blue sapphire. A rare example of the uncut material

Diamond spikes

Natural ruby crystal
This ruby is a staggering 1, 085 carats. Mined in Burmas Mogok (Myanmar s) mines and bought by the Museum in 1924 from Burma Ruby Mines Ltd. It is one of the largest crystals in the Museum collection

Star sapphire
Parallel bundles of fibres are formed in the stone as it crystallises. When the sapphire is cut in the correct orientation the silky needles reflect light to form a star effect

Natural ruby in marble
From the mines of Mogok in Burma (Myanmar). Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum with small impurities of chromium that turn it red

Cursed amethyst
When the Mineralogy Department received this amethyst in 1943 they found a note inside the box: this stone is trebly accursed and is stained with the blood

Plate 3a from Histoire naturelle? (1789)
Plate 3a, Histoire Naturel Des Mineraux et de Pierres Precieuses, from Histoire naturelle: ou, Exposition des morceaux, les mieux choisis pour servir? (1789) by by Swebach Desfontaines

Archilochus colubris, ruby-throated hummingbird
Drawing 58 (Ewan 20) from the Botanical and zoological drawings (1756-1788) by William Bartram

Corundum group
A collection of crystals including ruby and sapphire particolor, ruby rhomboid, and hexagonal cut sapphire

Ruby and Sapphire
Specimens of the mineral corundum (Aluminum Oxide), a ruby and saphire. These gemstones are varieties of the corundum mineral. A collection of crystals including the Edwardes ruby

Sapphire turban button
A rose-cut facetted deep-blue sapphire mounted in a button of quartz, inlaid with gold, rubies & emeralds. No 198 in the collection of Sir Hans Sloane

Realgar comprises of (arsenic sulphide). It is also known as ruby sulphur and is a rare non-metallic sulphide mineral. Specimen from the Natural History Museum, London

Trechmannite
A red crystal of trechmannite comprised of (silver arsenic sulphide). A specimen from the collections of the Natural History Museum, London

Pleochroism in an iolite cut stone
This iolite (magnesium aluminium silicate) is displaying pleochroism, a varied colour effect as the gem is turned. See also 3960

Spinel crystal and cut stone
Spinel (magnesium aluminium oxide) crystal from Ruby Mines, Mogok, Burma with spinel cut stone from Sri Lanka. Spinel is found in a red colour and has been previously mistaken for ruby

Many colours of corundum
Ruby and sapphire cut corundum stones viewed through their pavilions. Corundum is the second hardest natural mineral known

Rubies and sapphires
Crystals of ruby from Burma which is the red variety of corundum (aluminium oxide). The other variety is sapphire, this specimen is from Kashmir. The lower left specimen is the Edwardes Ruby

Ruby and sapphire gravel
Ruby and sapphire fragments from gem gravels seen on a background of slate. Ruby and sapphire are both varieties of the mineral corundum (aluminium oxide)

Regulus calendula, ruby-crowned kinglet
Plate 195 from John James Audubons Birds of America, original double elephant folio (1831-34), hand-coloured aquatint. Engraved, printed and coloured by R. Havell (& Son), London

Gemstone series: sapphire
Sapphire, the blue variety of the mineral corundum (aluminium oxide). Sapphire can be found in a number of different colours. Specimen at the Natural History Museum, London

Birthstone Series: Ruby

Chrysis rudii, ruby-tailed wasp
An illustration of a ruby-tailed wasp (Chrysis rudii)

Plate 99, from Mineralogie
Various gemstone varieties including diamond, ruby, sapphire, spinel and Topaz. From Recuille complet de Mineralogie vol.3 (1790) by F.L. Swebach Desfontaines

Plate 3 from Histoire naturelle? (1789)
Plate 3, Histoire Naturelle ou Mineralogie Complete from Histoire naturelle: ou, Exposition des morceaux, les mieux choisis pour servir (1789) by by Swebach Desfontaines

Star rubies and sapphires
Star stones of ruby and sapphire, both are varieties of the mineral corundum (aluminium oxide). Ruby always appears in red where as sapphire comes in a variety of colours

Archilocus colubris, ruby-throated hummingbird
Plate 47 from John James Audubons Birds of America, original double elephant folio (1827-30), hand-coloured aquatint. Engraved, printed and coloured by R. Havell (& Son), London

Ruby and Sapphire cut stones

Ruby
A six-rayed star ruby. Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum (aluminium oxide)

Sapphire
A six-rayed star blue sapphire. Sapphires derives from the corundum mineral group which is the second hardest group known

Sapphire crystal
Sapphire is a blue variety of corundum, which is the second hardest natural substance known on Earth. Specimen originates from Olberg, Rheinland, now at the Natural History Museum, London

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Corundum, known for its mesmerizing beauty and remarkable hardness, is a gemstone that has captivated humanity for centuries. Its significance can be seen in various forms of art and exploration. A symbol of faith, a crucifix adorned with corundum gems showcases the stone's allure alongside other precious stones like diamond, ruby, and sapphire. These gemstones have long been treasured for their vibrant colors and exquisite brilliance. The quest to uncover corundum's treasures led many to embark on exciting expeditions in search of sapphires and rubies. Chromolitho images depict the thrill of prospecting as miners eagerly sift through sediments hoping to unearth these precious gems along with oxides like magnetite, cassiterite, zircon, pitchblende, and limonite. Australia's rich gold deposits are well-known but it is also home to magnificent corundum varieties such as ruby. Engravings showcase the allure of this crimson gemstone in its natural crystal form or transformed into stunning jewelry pieces. Polished ruby gemstones gleam under the light revealing their flawless beauty while brilliant-cut sapphires sparkle with an enchanting blue hue. A yellow sapphire labeled C016 / 6139 catches our attention alongside a cursed amethyst C016 / 6143 which adds an air of mystery surrounding these captivating stones. Intriguing specimens of ruby and sapphire are displayed in C016 / 4860 showcasing their diverse shapes and sizes. Each specimen tells a unique story about nature's artistic creations hidden within corundum's depths. Corundum continues to fascinate us with its timeless elegance and enduring charm. Whether adorning religious artifacts or dazzling us as polished gems or cut stones - this extraordinary mineral never fails to leave us spellbound by its sheer magnificence.