Origin

Spinel is most commonly found in Myanmar, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Tajikistan.

History

Spinel may be considered one of history’s most underappreciated gemstones. Ancient mines would produce spinel for the royal courts but would often become confused with more pricey sapphires and rubies. Mines in southeast Asia would produce large spinel crystals becoming known as Balas rubies. The supposed rubies were treasured as spoils of war, adored by kings and emperors.

One of the most famous illusions is known as the Black Prince’s Ruby. This gemstone is set in England’s Imperial State Crown displayed at the Tower of London. In 14th century Spain, the Prince of Wales, known as the Black Prince, received the stone as payment for a battle victory. Since then many English monarchs including Henry VIII have cherished the gemstone. Today the gemstone has survived the centuries, including World War II bombing raids attempted thefts and fires and became one of the centerpieces of the English Crown Jewels.

Fashion

Spinel is a beautiful gemstone, found in colors like blue spinel, purple spinel, red spinel, and pink spinel. The vibrant colors of this gemstone have historically been what make this stone so popular, but black spinel stones are becoming increasingly popular in modern jewelry. Spinel is also a great stone for everyday wear, as it is a harder gemstone. Spinel has been worn by many Queens, Emporors, and Kings throughout history. Pair colorful spinel with blacks and greys to really bring out its color, or pair black spinel jewelry with golds, bronze, or other mettalic or sparkling outfits to fully utilize its elegance.

Formation

Spinel is found as a metamorphic mineral and a primary mineral in mafic igneous rocks. The crystal of spinal is singly refractive, like garnet and diamonds. Spinel’s crystal shape shape characteristics are that of an octahedron. Flattened crystals may also form when the pyramids that make up an octahedron rotate against each other during growth. These rotating crystals are known as a twinned crystal. Intense red and pink spinel are caused by traces of chromium. Purple stones are caused by a mixture of iron and chromium. Violet and blue spinel contain traces of cobalt causing a vibrant blue tone. Black spinel stones are produced when the stone contains limestone.

Cleaning & Care

It is best to clean spinel with warm soapy water and a soft brush. An ultrasonic or steam cleaner may only be used on stones without fractures. Avoid prolonged exposure to high heat and light to prevent discoloration of the stone.

Treatments

Spinel is never treated to enhance color.

Mohs Hardness

8.0

Scratch resistance through the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer material.

Specific Gravity

3.60

The relation between the density of any substance and the density of water.

Refractive Index

1.719

The ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum to its velocity in a specified medium.