Artificial corundum is obtained by melting aluminum oxide in an electric furnace. It is composed of aluminum oxide but classified as a different material for the purpose of setting customs duties.

Uses of aluminum oxide and artificial corundum

Aluminum oxide is not only used for aluminum but also as a filling material for paint, an abrasive, an agent for manufacturing synthetic precious and semi-precious stones (ruby, sapphire, emerald, etc.), a dehydrator for gas drying, and a catalyst for manufacturing acetone or acetic acid (e.g., a cracking agent).

Artificial corundum features greater thermal resistance, acid resistance, and hardness than ordinary aluminum oxide. This material is used as an abrasive, for manufacturing experimental utensils and refractories (e.g., mullite and slilite that are corundum mixtures with a high-purity refractory clay and anhydrous aluminosilicate, respectively), and in the electronic industry.

[ By the naked eye...]

Aluminum oxide

Artificial corundum

We cannot distinguish these two substances with the naked eye. Since both are made of aluminum oxide, the results of chemical analysis are also naturally the same.

[ Under an electron microscope, however, we can clearly see the differences. ]

Aluminum oxide

Artificial corundum

The tariff for aluminum oxide depends on the particle size.

• Electron Microscope (Aluminum oxide or artificial corundum?)
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Major Analytical Equipment: Introduction of equipment and devices used for analyses