FTP, name this mineral, 9 on the Mohs hardness scale.
It was the first gem mineral to be synthesized in the lab by flame fusion in a process developed by Auguste Verneuil; this technique and flux growth are still used to synthesize it today. At the turn of the century, discovery of these artificial techniques caused widespread panic in regions where it is mined from gem gravel deposits, especially Southeast Asia. Crystallizing in the hexagonal system, it forms in silica-poor igneous and metamorphic rocks. With chemical formula Al2O3, varieties include Padparadscha (pod-pa-Rah-sha), star sapphire, sapphire, and ruby.  FTP, name this mineral, 9 on the Mohs hardness scale.
It was the first gem mineral to be synthesized in the lab by flame fusion in a process developed by Auguste Verneuil; this technique and flux growth are still used to synthesize it today.
corundum