Spinel is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 8, composed of magnesium aluminum oxide. Spinels occur in all colors, although the most familiar ones are red, blue, and violet. The most famous colour of spinel is a deep red colour known as noble red, and balas ruby. It is mined in Burma, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and Tanzania.
Spinels refractive index is slightly lower than that of diamond. Its crystal form is usually octahedral, and it lacks cleavage, meaning it tends to break along its edges instead of forming neat flat surfaces. It has an intermediate to low relief, meaning it stands out when seen through a microscope.
Spinel has been used as a gemstone since ancient times. The spinel-rubies of antiquity were often mistaken for rubies, and some Burmese spinels were believed to be of particularly fine quality. The largest known spinel is the 813-carat Timur ruby, originally believed to be a ruby before modern scientific methods determined its true nature. The Black Princes Ruby, which is set in the British royal crown, is also a spinel.
Spinels are also popular for their durability, low cost, and good light dispersion. The structure of spinel is also very conducive to cutting, polishing, and setting, making this material a favorite of jewelers and gem cutters. Its hardness ensures its resistance to external influences, while its octahedral shape gives the gem its characteristic brilliance.
Spinel works well with both rose and yellow gold, and its various colors mean that it can be set against both white and yellow gold to create a stunning contrast. It is also very popular as a centerpiece stone in colored gemstone jewelry.
Spinels come in a wide range of colors including purple, pink, orange, red, green, yellow, blue and black. Colorless spinels are also available, and these can be used in a variety of jewelry, but they are far less common than colored spinels.
Spinel is becoming more popular as a gemstone with the rising trend of colored gemstone jewelry. Its good hardness, wide range of colors, and low cost make it an ideal choice for all types of jewelry.
The durability of spinel and its bright colors makes it an ideal choice for modern jewelry. Jewellery designers increasingly favor this stone due to its beauty and affordable price. With its enchanting hues and sparkling clarity, spinel makes for an excellent choice for any fine jewelry collection.
