1902 CE
A flame turns powder into ruby.
Read the full sourced page: Verneuil Grows Rubies in a Flame
Myth: undefined
Reality: Flame-fusion ruby is corundum coloured by chromium, the same material as a mined ruby. It is synthetic, not imitation; what differs is the origin, not the chemistry.
Myth: undefined
Reality: The Geneva rubies sold in 1885 are now believed to be earlier flame-fusion stones. Verneuil perfected the method and published it, which is why it carries his name.
The Gem Tray is another reference site by the same author.