Final answer:
A good ruby simulant can be made from synthetic aluminum oxide with small amounts of chromium oxide to achieve the classic red color, similar to how artificial rubies are manufactured.
Step-by-step explanation:
A good ruby simulant could be made from synthetic materials that replicate the properties of natural ruby. Natural rubies are known for their deep red color, which is attributed to the presence of Cr³+ impurities in the aluminum oxide (Al2O3) crystal lattice of corundum. To simulate a ruby, one would typically use a material that can embed Cr³+ ions in a similar crystal lattice, such as synthetic corundum or other suitable aluminum oxide-based compounds.
Artificial rubies are created by melting aluminum oxide at high temperatures, with small amounts of oxides, including chromium oxide, to produce the desired red color. Upon cooling, this results in large crystals that can be used in various applications, including ruby lasers. The qualities of these synthetic rubies are so high that they can be used interchangeably with natural rubies in many jewelry pieces.