Everything You Want to Know About Spinel

Spinel is a natural gemstone known for its vibrant colors, exceptional durability, and high clarity. Although the stone is less well-known than, for example, diamond, sapphire, or ruby, spinel has been prized by gemologists and jewelers for years for its beauty and suitability for jewelry.

Historically, many famous “rubies” have later turned out to be spinels. The best-known of these is the Black Prince’s Ruby, which is part of the British Crown Jewels and was ultimately found to be a red spinel.

Thanks to its high hardness and good durability, spinel is ideal for jewelry worn every day, such as rings, pendants, and earrings.

On this page, you can read all about the properties of spinel, its various colors, its formation, the treatments it undergoes, and how to care for this unique gemstone.

Spinel at a Glance

Mineral: Spinel (MgAl₂O₄)

Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale

Suitable for everyday wear: ★★★★★

Most common colors: Red, pink, purple, and gray

Birthstone: August (modern birthstone)

Properties of Spinel

Spinel forms under high pressure and high temperatures in metamorphic rocks and alluvial deposits. The stone is found in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Madagascar, among other places.

With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, spinel is highly resistant to scratches and therefore well-suited for everyday use. In addition, spinel has no distinct cleavage, which generally makes it more resistant to impact than some other gemstones.

One of the characteristics for which spinel is known is its high clarity and vivid color. Many spinels exhibit a beautiful luster and have few visible inclusions.

Colors of Spinel

Spinel occurs naturally in a wide range of colors.

The most well-known colors are:

• Red
• Pink
• Purple
• Gray
• Blue
• Green
• Orange
• Black
• Colorless

The deep-red spinels from Myanmar, in particular, are among the most sought-after varieties. Gray and blue-gray spinels have also become increasingly popular in modern jewelry in recent years.

The color of spinel is caused by various trace elements, including chromium, iron, and cobalt.

Natural, treated, and lab-grown spinels

Natural spinel

Most spinels used in jewelry are naturally formed and sometimes contain small natural inclusions.

Treated spinel

Unlike many other gemstones, spinel is rarely treated. That is one of the reasons why it is popular among enthusiasts of untreated gemstones.

Lab-grown spinel

Synthetic spinel has been produced since the early twentieth century and was once commonly used as an imitation of other gemstones. Today, however, natural spinel is used much more frequently in jewelry.

Origin and Locations

Major sources of spinel include Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Madagascar.

Myanmar is best known for its deep red spinels, while Vietnam produces many high-quality pink and red spinels. Tanzania and Sri Lanka offer a wide range of colors.

Care

Spinel is easy to care for and can usually be cleaned with lukewarm water, a soft brush, and a little mild soap.

Thanks to its excellent durability, spinel is suitable for everyday wear. As with all jewelry, it is wise to avoid hard impacts and contact with harsh chemicals as much as possible.

Summary

Spinel is a durable and versatile gemstone that comes in a wide variety of colors. Thanks to its high hardness, vibrant colors, and the fact that it undergoes relatively little treatment, spinel is an excellent choice for everyday jewelry. Spinel is a particularly wonderful option for those who love unique and lesser-known gemstones.

Looking for more information about other gemstones? Check out the complete gemstone guide for an overview of all gemstones and their properties.