Formed over millions of years under heat and pressure, crystals of pure Al2O3 are known as corundum or "colorless sapphires". In a pure state corundum is colorless, but with traces of other unique elements the mineral absorbs light and reflects the wide variety of beautiful colors we see in sapphires!

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At a 9.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness corundum stones are tough and strong making them amazing stones for everyday wear. These stones were even worn within the breastplates of Hight Priests back in 957 BCE. How regal!

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In myth, rubies were said to grow on trees by starting as white or colorless buds, sprouting, and blossoming into the scarlet gems awaiting to be picked. Not quite!

When corundum/sapphires form with the trace element of chromium it creates a pinkish or reddish hue. This coloration is what makes pink sapphires AND rubies. Rubies are just the most lush and luxuriously rich, red sapphires!