Yes, a ruby is indeed a crystal.
A ruby is a form of the mineral corundum, and like all minerals, it has a specific chemical composition and a characteristic internal structure. This internal structure is ordered and repeating, which is the defining feature of a crystal.
The Crystallization of Ruby
According to the reference, ruby crystallizes in the hexagonal system. This means that the atoms within the ruby are arranged in a highly organized, repeating pattern based on hexagonal geometry. This specific atomic arrangement dictates the physical properties of the ruby, including its shape when it forms under ideal conditions.
The reference further describes the specifics of this hexagonal structure:
- There are three crystallographic axes of equal length.
- These three axes intersect one another at 120 degrees.
- A fourth, longer axis is present that is perpendicular to the other three.
This precise arrangement in the hexagonal system is what causes well-formed ruby crystals to often appear in shapes resembling tiny barrels, as noted in the reference.
Ruby's Crystalline Nature
Being a crystal means ruby exhibits predictable physical properties influenced by its internal structure. For example, the reference highlights that ruby, as with all varieties of corundum, is very tough. This toughness is directly related to the strong bonds and ordered arrangement of atoms within its crystal lattice.
In summary, the crystalline nature of ruby is fundamental to its identity as a mineral. Its formation within the hexagonal system results in specific structural characteristics and physical properties.
