Blue Spinel Guide: Colors, Value, & Purchase Tips

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on blue spinel! As gemstone enthusiasts, we know how crucial it is to have reliable info at your fingertips when picking out that ideal stone for your collection. In this guide, we'll dive into the fascinating realm of blue spinel, covering its varied colors, impressive value, and essential buying advice.
Key Takeaways
- Blue spinel appears in a spectrum of striking colors, from soft light blue to intense navy.
- This gem ranks among the scarcest stones, commanding high value thanks to its uncommon nature.
- When shopping for blue spinel, pay attention to elements like color, dimensions, transparency, and shaping.
- Proper upkeep and cleaning are key to preserving blue spinel's enduring appeal.
- Blue spinel's worth stacks up against other blue gems, such as sapphire and tanzanite.
Understanding Blue Spinel: Colors and Meanings
Blue spinel showcases an array of captivating shades. From gentle sky blue to bold navy, every tone carries its own distinct charm. Let's explore the various colors you might find in blue spinel and the interpretations linked to them.
Blue Spinel Color | Meaning |
---|---|
Light Blue | Symbolizes tranquility, peace, and calmness. It's a serene color that soothes the mind and soul. |
Medium Blue | Represents trust, loyalty, and sincerity. It's a classic color that exudes elegance and sophistication. |
Dark Blue | Signifies power, authority, and intelligence. It's a commanding color that exudes a sense of confidence and respect. |
Greenish Blue | Evokes feelings of growth, renewal, and vitality. It's a refreshing color that inspires new beginnings and fresh starts. |
Violet Blue | Symbolizes spirituality, creativity, and intuition. It's a mysterious color that sparks the imagination and promotes introspection. |
Grayish Blue | Represents balance, harmony, and stability. It's a neutral color that can complement and enhance a wide range of outfits. |
Blackish Blue | Signifies depth, mystery, and sophistication. It's a bold color that exudes confidence and power. |
As you can see, each shade of blue spinel holds its own symbolism and importance. Whether the peaceful vibe of light blue draws you in or the strong presence of dark blue speaks to you, there's a tone that can reflect your style and feelings. Disclaimer: The meanings tied to gemstone colors stem from cultural and historical traditions and lack scientific backing. They should be viewed as folklore or individual beliefs, not proven facts.
Blue Spinel Properties: Clarity, Luster, and Origins
Blue spinel stands out for its distinctive traits, such as outstanding clarity and shine. These gems form from magnesium, aluminum, and oxygen.
You'll find blue spinel in spots around the globe, like Madagascar, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. Madagascar yields some top-notch blue spinels, much sought after in the trade. That said, Sri Lanka produces some of the very best.
On clarity, blue spinel impresses with its clear transparency. It scores an 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, offering toughness and longevity. The luster of blue spinel also shines through, with many stones boasting a bright sparkle that competes with diamonds.
These gems span vibrant blues, from pale to deep navy, often with a faint violet hint. Blue spinel can also show gray-blue or green-blue tones, making it a flexible choice for jewelry fans seeking variety.
For more in-depth details on spinel, including its history, formation, and general properties, explore our spinel gemstone information guide.
The Value of Blue Spinel: Price and Comparison
Blue spinel offers great worth, with its price influenced by hue, scale, and grade. Costs can span from hundreds to thousands of dollars per carat based on size—the bigger the gem, the higher its price tag.
Against blue sapphire and tanzanite, blue spinel tends to cost less, serving as a budget-friendly option. Sapphires and tanzanites often fetch higher prices due to demand and scarcity in larger forms. Still, don't overlook blue spinel's potential; it's a smart pick as it gains traction in the industry.
Blue Spinel | Blue Sapphire | Tanzanite | |
---|---|---|---|
Average Price per Carat | $500-$1,500 | $1,000-$1,800 | $400-$700 |
Color Range | Light blue, dark blue, blue-green | Blue, violet-blue, cornflower-blue | Blue, violet-blue, green-blue |
This comparison highlights blue spinel's broader color options relative to sapphire and tanzanite, positioning it as a strong choice for those after distinctive gems.
In summary, blue spinel provides solid value for anyone seeking a more accessible alternative to pricier blue stones. Its diverse shades and growing appeal make it a smart addition to any jewelry lineup.
To understand the factors influencing spinel gemstone value in greater detail, visit our spinel gemstone value resource.
Buying Blue Spinel: Tips and Considerations
When eyeing blue spinel gems or jewelry, a few pointers can help you secure the best deal. Here's what to keep in mind:
Choose a Trusted Seller
Gemselect has been a reliable source for natural gems since 2005. All stones come with optional independent lab certifications from global experts.
Evaluate the 4 C's
Don't forget the basics: color, clarity, cut, and carat. Blue spinel spans light to dark blues, and value rises with better clarity and weight. Opt for a cut that boosts the stone's hue and brilliance.

Establish a Budget
Set a practical spending limit upfront and adhere to it. While blue spinel usually undercuts sapphire, prices fluctuate with quality and size. Stay informed on market rates to avoid excess spending.
Think About Usage
Factor in how you'll use the blue spinel gem or piece. Is it for everyday wear or events? Various styles and mounts suit different needs, so select wisely.
With these guidelines, you're set to make a quality blue spinel purchase that adds lasting delight to your assortment.
Caring for Blue Spinel: Cleaning and Maintenance
Blue spinel is a valuable gem that needs regular attention to maintain its shine and appeal. Check out these key care tips for your blue spinel:
- Store it alone: Keep blue spinel jewelry separate from other items in a soft pouch or box to dodge scratches.
- Steer clear of chemicals: This gem reacts poorly to perfumes, sprays, and cleaners. Remove it before use and skip wearing it in pools.
- Clean routinely: Use mild soap and warm water, brushing gently with soft bristles, then dry with a gentle cloth.
- Seek pro help: For tough dirt, let a jeweler handle a thorough clean.
Stick to these steps, and your blue spinel will stay a prized item in your collection for the long haul.
Conclusion
Blue spinel stands as a distinctive gem with remarkable beauty and enduring worth. You've now got the scoop on its colors and meanings, special traits, market pricing, and selection tips.
We trust this guide has equipped you with useful knowledge about blue spinel. With these details, you can shop confidently and maintain your pieces for ongoing enjoyment.
Thanks for exploring blue spinel with us. Got questions or stories to share? Reach out anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is blue spinel?
Blue spinel is a rare and exquisite gemstone known for its captivating blue color. It is a transparent mineral that belongs to the spinel family and can range in hue from light blue to deep navy.
What are the colors of blue spinel?
Blue spinel comes in a range of captivating colors, including light blue, sky blue, cornflower blue, and deep navy. The color variation is determined by the presence of trace elements during its formation.
What is the meaning behind blue spinel?
Blue spinel is believed to symbolize calmness, wisdom, and protection. It is said to enhance communication and bring clarity to the wearer's thoughts, making it a meaningful choice for jewelry.
Is blue spinel a birthstone?
Blue spinel is an official birthstone for August and it is the traditional gift for the 22nd wedding anniversary adding all the more reasons to make this gorgeous gemstone into jewelry.
What are the properties of blue spinel?
Blue spinel possesses excellent clarity and a high luster, giving it a dazzling sparkle. It ranks 8.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it a durable gemstone suitable for everyday wear. Blue spinel is primarily sourced from countries such as Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.
Is blue spinel treated?
Blue spinel is a rather special stone. It is one of few gems that occur naturally in blue color. Blue spinel is not known to be treated or enhanced in any way.
How does blue spinel compare to blue sapphire and tanzanite?
Blue spinel is a highly valuable gemstone that shares similarities with blue sapphire and tanzanite. While blue spinel offers a vibrant blue hue, it is often more affordable than blue sapphire and tanzanite of similar quality.
How much does blue spinel cost?
The price of blue spinel varies depending on factors such as color, clarity, carat weight, and origin. Fine-quality blue spinel can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per carat.
What should I consider when buying blue spinel?
When purchasing blue spinel, consider factors such as color intensity, clarity, cut, and carat weight. It is also important to buy from reputable jewelers who provide gemstone certifications to ensure the authenticity and quality of the blue spinel.
How do I care for blue spinel?
To keep your blue spinel looking its best, gently clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid exposing your blue spinel to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures. Regularly clean and store your blue spinel jewelry in a soft pouch or jewelry box to avoid scratches or damage.