Spinel

Spinel is a natural gemstone known for its dazzling brilliance, exceptional clarity, and an extraordinary spectrum of colours, ranging from vivid reds and deep blues to delicate pinks, purples, and even rare greys and lavenders. For centuries, spinel was mistaken for other precious stones, notably rubies and sapphires, due to its intense saturation and colour resemblance. It possesses an exceptional ability to reflect light, giving it a fire and sparkle that rivals the finest gems. Though historically overshadowed, spinel has gained well-deserved recognition in modern gemology and is cherished for its beauty, rarity, and durability in fine jewellery.

Chemical Composition: Magnesium Aluminium Oxide (MgAl₂O₄)

Crystal System: Cubic

Refractive Index: 1.72 - 1.73

Specific Gravity: 3.61 - 3.67

Double Refraction: None (Isotropic)

Mohs Hardness: 8

Lustre: Vitreous

Spinel is mined in the most renowned gemstone localities in the world, often alongside corundum (ruby and sapphire) deposits. The most significant sources include Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Vietnam. Burmese spinels, particularly those from Mogok, are celebrated for their electric red hues, often mistaken for rubies. In Tanzania, the Mahenge region produces some of the most striking neon pink and vivid red spinels, known for their intense fluorescence and saturation. Vietnam is another key source, yielding mesmerising pink, lavender, and cobalt-blue spinels. These diverse origins contribute to the unique appeal of spinel, offering an extraordinary range of hues and exceptional quality to gemstone collectors.

Yes, spinel is an excellent choice for an engagement ring, offering both beauty and durability. With a Mohs hardness of 8, it is durable enough for everyday wear. Unlike many coloured gemstones, spinel has exceptional clarity and brilliance, making it an extraordinary centre stone that rivals sapphires and rubies. Its resistance to heat and chemical exposure also makes it a practical option for fine jewellery. When choosing spinel for an engagement ring, protective settings such as bezels or halo designs can further safeguard the stone, ensuring its beauty lasts for generations.

A spinel's value is determined by its colour, clarity, size, and origin. The most prized spinels display vivid, highly saturated hues and open colour, particularly intense reds, vibrant pinks, cobalt blues, and lavender purples. Red spinels are particularly valuable, as their striking resemblance to fine rubies once led them to be mistakenly set into a royal crown (The Black Prince's Ruby). Clarity also plays a crucial role, with top-quality spinels being eye-clean and possessing a remarkable natural brilliance. Larger, unheated specimens are rare and command higher prices, especially when sourced from renowned locations such as Burma or Mahenge, Tanzania. Unlike some other gemstones, spinel remains relatively undervalued compared to rubies and sapphires, making them a hidden treasure in the world of fine gemstones.

One of the most desirable aspects of spinel is that it is almost always untreated, making it one of the most natural gemstones available on the market. Unlike sapphires and rubies, which are frequently heated to enhance their colour, spinel's vivid hues are entirely natural. Some synthetic spinels exist and have been used in jewellery for decades, but these are easily distinguishable from natural spinels with gemological testing. As there are no standard industry treatments for spinel, buyers can confidently invest in a gemstone that remains as nature intended.

Among the rarest and most sought-after spinels are Jedi Spinel from Burma and Mahenge Spinel from Tanzania. Jedi Spinel is an intensely vivid pink-red spinel mined in Myanmar, famed for its electric fluorescence and pure, untainted hue that appears to glow in any lighting. Vincent Pardieu, a legendary gemologist, first coined the term Jedi Spinel during his travels to Myanmar. At the time, a Star Wars film was released, and the phrase "Don't go to the dark side, Luke" became the perfect analogy for these extraordinary gems. Unlike other spinels that can carry deep, inky undertones, Jedi Spinels are anything but dark; they are electric, luminous, and radiate almost supernaturally. Mahenge Spinel, discovered in Tanzania, is equally spectacular, with an otherworldly neon pink glow. These spinels, particularly in larger sizes with excellent clarity, command some of the highest prices in the spinel market, rivaling fine rubies and sapphires in value.

Spinel was officially added as the alternative birthstone for the month of August by the AGTA (American Gem Trade Association) in collaboration with Jewelers of America (JA) in 2016. Traditionally, peridot was the only August birthstone, but spinel's increasing popularity and vibrant range of colours made it a worthy addition. Spinel's colour palette, from vivid reds to glowing pinks and royal blues, allows those born in August to express their individuality with a gemstone that is classically beautiful, but had modern appeal.

Historically mistaken for rubies in royal regalia, spinel has been linked to power and prosperity, often believed to protect warriors in battle. Today, spinel is cherished for its ability to restore motivation, inspire creativity, and bring clarity to the mind, making it a meaningful gemstone for both collectors and wearers alike.

Natural spinels are highly prized for their vivid colours and exceptional clarity, though they may contain minor inclusions, such as fingerprint-like patterns or wispy veils. Synthetic spinel has been mass-produced for decades and is commonly found in low-cost jewellery and imitations. However, unlike lab-created sapphires or rubies, synthetic spinels often have a different chemical composition and lower refractive index, making them distinguishable from their natural counterparts. Because spinel is typically untreated, a professional gemological analysis is the best way to ensure authenticity. Reputable sources and certified sellers can provide assurance that the spinel you purchase is a natural, high-quality gemstone.