How does a white, opaque mineral like aluminum oxide become rubies and sapphires, some of the world’s most valuable gemstones? The answer lies in impurities: elements like chromium and iron infiltrate the crystalline structure of corundum and alter its behavior with light, resulting in vibrant, mesmerizing colors. In this video, we explore the role of transition metals and the complex world of quantum physics that governs the color of gemstones. From the fluorescence of ruby to the deep blue of sapphire, we look at why gemstones are not only beautiful, but also incredibly interesting from a scientific point of view.
Sources and further reading:
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/General_Chemistry/Map%3A_A_Molecular_Approach_(Tro)/25%3A_Transition_Metals_and_Coordination_Compounds/25.01%3A_The_Colors_of_Rubies_and_Emeralds
https://theconversation.com/why-are-rubies-red-and-emeralds-green-their-colors-come-from-the-same-metal-in-their-atomic-structure-247978
https://www.gemstone.org/science-of-stones-ruby