RUBY CRYSTALS IN FUCHSITE (polished sphere) - India

Ruby and sapphire are both varieties of the mineral corundum. Red corundum is called ruby, while all other colours of gem-quality corundum, including colourless, are called sapphire.

This example is from a classic Indian ruby locality and shows red ruby crystals in a matrix of the mineral fuchsite, a green, chromium-rich mica.

The rubies provide a stunning contrast to the fuchsite.