corindón

Corindón is a crystalline mineral composed of aluminum oxide (Al2O3). It is one of the hardest naturally occurring substances, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, second only to diamond. Pure corindón is colorless and transparent, but impurities can give it a wide range of colors. For example, the presence of iron and titanium can produce a blue hue, resulting in the gemstone sapphire. Chromium impurities create a red color, leading to the gemstone ruby. Other trace elements can result in various colors, including yellow, green, and purple.

Corindón is found in a variety of geological settings, often in metamorphic rocks such as gneiss and marble, as well as in some igneous rocks. It is also found in placer deposits, having been eroded from its original source rock. Due to its exceptional hardness and durability, corindón has numerous industrial applications. It is widely used as an abrasive in sandpaper, grinding wheels, and polishing compounds. It is also employed in the manufacturing of cutting tools, bearings, and even as a component in some high-strength ceramics. Gemstone varieties like ruby and sapphire are highly valued for their beauty and are used in jewelry and as components in precision instruments like watches.