Spinel Rings, Earrings, Necklaces & Pendants for Every Occasion

Spinel: The Historically Misunderstood Gemstone

Spinel, a gemstone of remarkable beauty, has a long and intriguing history, often marked by mistaken identity. For centuries, it was frequently confused with ruby, leading to some of the world’s most famous “rubies” actually being spinels. Today, spinel is gaining well-deserved recognition for its own unique brilliance and diverse color palette.

Origin and Formation:

Spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide mineral (MgAl₂O₄).
It forms in metamorphic rocks and limestone, often alongside corundum (ruby and sapphire).
Historically significant sources include Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. Today, spinel is also found in Tanzania, Vietnam, and other locations.

Color and Gemological Properties:

Spinel occurs in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, blue, purple, orange, and black.
Red spinel, colored by chromium, is often mistaken for ruby.
Blue spinel’s color can be attributed to cobalt, among other trace elements.
Spinel has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone suitable for jewellery.
A key characteristic of spinel is that it is singly refractive, which contributes to its brilliance.

Historical Significance and Famous Spinels:

One of the most famous examples of spinel’s historical confusion is the “Black Prince’s Ruby,” a large red spinel that adorns the British Imperial State Crown.

The “Timur Ruby” is another famous example of a large red spinel in the british crown jewels.

These historical gems highlight how spinel was often favored by royalty and incorporated into crown jewels.

The fact that spinel was often mistaken for ruby, has given it a very interesting history.

Valuation (The Four Cs):

Like other gemstones, spinel’s value is determined by the “four Cs”:

Color:

Vivid, saturated colors are most highly valued, with intense reds and blues commanding premium prices.

Clarity:

Spinel with minimal inclusions is preferred.

Cut:

A well-executed cut enhances spinel’s brilliance.

Carat:

Larger, high-quality spinels are rarer and more valuable.

Key Distinctions:

Unlike ruby, which is doubly refractive, spinel is singly refractive. This is a key gemological difference.
Spinel comes in a much wider array of colors than Ruby.

Modern Appreciation:

Spinel is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with increasing demand from collectors and jewellery designers.
Its wide range of colors and excellent durability make it a versatile gemstone, perfect for earrings, rings, necklaces, and pendants.
Spinel has also been added as an August birthstone.