Synthetic ruby is a lab-created gemstone that mimics the appearance and properties of natural ruby. It is made using processes like the Verneuil process or Czochralski method, which involve melting aluminum oxide and adding chromium to produce the characteristic red color. These methods allow for the creation of high-quality rubies that are often more affordable than their natural counterparts. Unlike natural rubies, which are formed over millions of years in the Earth's crust, synthetic rubies can be produced in a matter of weeks. They possess similar physical and chemical properties, making them popular in jewelry and industrial applications. Synthetic rubies are also considered ethically sourced, as they do not involve mining.