Spinel

Spinel

Properties

  • Mineral:   spinel
  • Chemistry: MgAl2O4
  • Colour: red, orange, pink, purple, blue, black
  • Refractive index: 1.718
  • Birefringence: none
  • Specific gravity: 3.60
  • Mohs Hardness: 8

About Spinel

Spinel is the magnesium aluminium member of the larger spinel group of minerals. Balas ruby is an old name for a rose-tinted variety. Treasured for centuries by kings and Emperors spinels were always confused for rubies. Later on spinels became cheaper alternatives for rubies. But now spinels are are gaining popularity and much appreciated by consumers as a beautiful gemstone in its own right.

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Product Description

History

In the past, the mines of central and southeast Asia produced spectacular large spinel crystals. These fine gemstones became known as Balas rubies because of its lighter shade of red colour. As a result of this confusion, some of the world’s most illustrious “rubies” are actually spinel. The most famous example is the 170 carat Black Prince ruby in the Imperial state crown of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom which is actually a red spinel.

Sources

Spinel has long been found in the gemstone-bearing gravel of Sri Lanka and in limestones of the Badakshan Province in modern day Afghanistan and of Mogok in Myanmar (Burma). Recently gem quality spinels were also found in the marbles of Luc Yen (Vietnam), Mahenge and Matombo (Tanzania), Tsavo (Kenya) and in the gravels of Tunduru (Tanzania) and Ilakaka (Madagascar).

Quality

Spinel is a gemstone that comes in a variety of colours. Pure Spinel is colourless and impurities are responsible for producing all the different colours. The most valuable and desirable Spinel colour is a deep blood red, though blue, yellow, orange, pink, and purple colours also make fine gemstones.

Trivia

Spinel was discovered in 1783 by Mineralogist Jean Baptiste Louis Rome de Lisle.

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