Oxides

Compounds of oxygen with metals. Includes important gem minerals like corundum (ruby, sapphire), chrysoberyl (alexandrite), spinel, and hematite.

6Gemstones
7Mineral Species

Strunz Class

4

Dana Class

4-7

Mineral Species in Oxides

Cassiterite

SnO₂

Tetragonal system

Chrysoberyl

BeAl₂O₄

Orthorhombic system

Corundum

Al₂O₃

Trigonal system

Hematite

Fe₂O₃

Trigonal system

Musgravite

BeMg₂Al₆O₁₂

Trigonal system

Spinel

MgAl₂O₄

Cubic system

Taaffeite

BeMgAl₄O₈

Hexagonal system