Ruby look-alikes
Corundum (Al2O3) with Chromium impurities
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Open the appSeveral rocks and minerals can be confused with Ruby. Below are documented look-alikes and the features that tell them apart. Never rely on a single feature. Always check multiple properties.
Similar rocks to compare
Garnet
Complex Silicate (e.g., Fe3Al2(SiO4)3 for Almandine)
Also known as: Almandine, Pyrope, Spessartine, Grossular, Andradite, Uvarovite
Spinel
MgAl2O4
Also known as: Magnesium Aluminum Oxide
Red Tourmaline
Complex Borosilicate (e.g., Na(Li,Al)3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 for Rubellite)
Also known as: Rubellite
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