Corundum Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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corundum
[kษหrสndษm ]
Definitions
precious stone
Corundum is a very hard mineral, a form of aluminum oxide, typically occurring as prismatic crystals of variable color such as red, blue, yellow, and green.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| corundum |
Used in scientific or industrial contexts to refer to a hard, crystalline form of aluminum oxide, which can be used in various applications including abrasives and refractory materials.
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| ruby |
Refers specifically to the red variety of corundum, commonly used in jewelry and valued for its rich color.
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| sapphire |
Used to describe the blue variety of corundum, though sapphires can come in various colors. Often used in high-end jewelry.
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| gemstone |
A general term used in jewelry or when discussing precious or semi-precious stones that are used for adornment.
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Examples of usage
- The engagement ring was adorned with a beautiful corundum gemstone.
- She collected various corundum specimens for her mineral collection.
abrasive material
Corundum is used as an abrasive material in sandpaper and grinding wheels due to its hardness.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| corundum |
Use in scientific or industrial contexts, particularly when referring to the mineral's hardness or its use in abrasives and gemstones.
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| emery |
Commonly used in contexts involving polishing or sanding materials, especially in manufacturing or DIY projects.
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| grit |
Often used in everyday language to refer to granular material with abrasive properties, as well as in a metaphorical sense to describe determination.
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| pumice |
Typically used in contexts involving personal care or cleaning to describe the lightweight, porous volcanic rock used for exfoliating or polishing surfaces.
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Examples of usage
- The metal surface was polished using corundum abrasive.
- The corundum grit on the sandpaper helped smooth out the rough edges.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Corundum is one of the hardest minerals, rating 9 on the Mohs scale, just below diamond.
- Its structure consists of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), allowing it to form in various colors based on impurities.
- The mineral is natural and can be formed under high pressure and temperature deep within the Earth.
Economy
- Corundum is heavily mined for its use in abrasives, critical in industries for cutting and grinding material.
- Sapphire and ruby, both precious gemstones, are forms of corundum, driving their economic demand.
- The global market for gemstones has increased substantially, with corundum stones being prominent contenders.
Art and Culture
- In various cultures, sapphires were believed to keep the wearer safe and bring wisdom, beauty, and good fortune.
- Artisans use corundum in jewelry making, crafting pieces that exhibit incredible brilliance and durability.
- The historical significance of corundum is echoed in literature and art, often symbolizing power and prestige.
Industrial Uses
- Beyond jewelry, corundum is used in sandpaper and grinding wheels due to its extreme hardness.
- Corundum is also utilized in the manufacturing of cutting tools and wear-resistant materials, essential in manufacturing processes.
- Synthetic corundum is produced for industrial uses, allowing for consistent quality in abrasives.
Origin of 'corundum'
Main points about word origin
- The name 'corundum' comes from the Tamil word 'kurundam,' which means 'ruby'.
- This mineral has been known since ancient times, with references found in texts from Indians and Greeks alike.
- Corundum's name has roots in multiple languages, showing its historical importance across various cultures.
The word 'corundum' originates from the Tamil word 'kurundam' or 'korund' meaning ruby. Corundum has been known and used as a gemstone for thousands of years due to its hardness and range of colors. It was first synthesized in 1837 by the French chemist Henri Sainte-Claire Deville.