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ruby
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The transparent red variety of the mineral corundum, the colour being due to the presence of traces of chromium. It is a valuable gemstone, more precious than diamonds. The finest rubies are obtained from Mogok in Burma, where they occur in metamorphic limestones; Sri Lanka and Thailand are the only other important sources. Rubies have been produced synthetically by the Verneuil flame-fusion process. Industrial rubies are used in lasers, watches, and other precision instruments.
From: ruby in A Dictionary of Chemistry »
