korundszerkezet

The term korundszerkezet refers to the crystal structure of the mineral corundum. Corundum, with the chemical formula Al2O3, is a naturally occurring crystalline form of aluminum oxide. The korundszerkezet is characterized by a hexagonal crystal system. In this structure, aluminum ions are octahedrally coordinated by oxygen ions, and the oxygen ions form a hexagonal close-packed arrangement. Each aluminum ion is bonded to six oxygen ions, and each oxygen ion is bonded to four aluminum ions. This arrangement results in a highly stable and dense crystal lattice. The korundszerkezet is known for its hardness, which is a perfect 9 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest naturally occurring substances. This property is directly attributable to the strong ionic and covalent bonding within the Al2O3 structure. The refractive index and optical properties of corundum are also a consequence of this specific atomic arrangement. Gemstone varieties of corundum, such as ruby and sapphire, owe their distinct colors to trace impurities within this fundamental korundszerkezet.