Rare Spinel Gemstones

Introduction to Spinel

Spinels rank among the rarest gems on the planet, and their outstanding quality has sometimes caused them to be confused with rubies or sapphires throughout history. You might find it interesting that the large Black Prince's Ruby on the Imperial State Crown of the United Kingdom is, in fact, a spinel. Natural spinel gems are quite scarce, making them tough to spot in jewelry stores. Interestingly, this scarcity helps keep their prices fairly accessible. Explore comprehensive spinel gemstone information. Discover our collection of rare spinel gemstones for sale.

Historical Significance

Spinels have a rich history of being misidentified as more famous gems like rubies. This mix-up highlights just how impressive natural spinel can be in terms of color and brilliance. Discover the detailed history of spinel gemstones.

Natural vs. Synthetic Spinel

When folks hear about spinel, they often picture the inexpensive synthetic versions used in budget birthstone jewelry or class rings. This lab-created spinel, made through the flame fusion process, has a different chemical makeup than natural spinel, leading to variations in refractive index and specific gravity. In contrast, synthetic ruby can be tricky to tell apart from the real thing.

Physical Properties of Spinel

Natural spinel stands out as a top-tier gemstone, with traits that put it on par with ruby and sapphire in many ways. Spinel gemstones consist of magnesium aluminate, usually colored by chromium and iron. Sometimes, cobalt traces provide the hue. It's extremely hard - rating 8 on the Mohs scale, just behind ruby and sapphire at 9 - and it crystallizes in a cubic form similar to diamond. Spinel forms as octahedral crystals and has very poor cleavage (unlike diamond's perfect cleavage), which adds to its durability. Thanks to its excellent dispersion, spinel can show vibrant fire. Its color intensity partly comes from being singly refractive, a rare property shared with gems like garnet and diamond.

Treatments and Rarity

Most ruby and sapphire on the market gets heat-treated to boost color and clarity. But spinel? It's a gem that skips treatments entirely. That makes it a standout in the modern gemstone world.

Evaluating Spinel Quality

Spinel gets assessed by color and clarity, much like other colored gems. The best spinel gemstones boast deeply saturated, pure colors without much brownish or gray shading. Red and pink spinels top the list in value, with purple and blue following close behind. Any spinel gem over two carats is uncommon, and fine ones exceeding three carats are exceptionally rare.

Sources of Spinel

Myanmar (Burma) and Sri Lanka have long been key suppliers of premium spinel, with Burmese stones often seen as the best. Yet, the supply falls short for widespread retail jewelry needs, so many stores don't carry it. This scarcity makes natural spinel hard to come by, but it also keeps prices sensible - especially next to unheated ruby and sapphire.

In recent years, high-grade African spinel has hit the market, including larger pieces. You'll now find red, pink, violet, blue, and even unique orange and purple spinel from Tanzania. Burmese spinel supply remains limited but consistent, and the quality stays top-notch.

Frequently Asked Questions