Sign In

Sign Up
English speaking customer support only
1-800-464-1640
Change Language
- English
- Français
- Español
- Italiano
- Deutsch
- Pусский
- 中文
- 日本語
- العربية
- Português
- 한국인
USD
Change Currency
- EUR = Euro
- GBP = British Pound
- USD = U.S. Dollar
- AED = United Arab Emirates Dirham
- AUD = Australian Dollar
- BHD = Bahraini Dinar
- BND = Brunei Dollar
- CAD = Canadian Dollar
- CHF = Swiss Franc
- CNY = Chinese Yuan
- CZK = Czech Koruna
- DKK = Danish Krone
- EGP = Egyptian Pound
- EUR = Euro
- GBP = British Pound
- HKD = Hong Kong Dollar
- IDR = Indonesian Rupiah
- ILS = Israeli New Shekel
- INR = Indian Rupee
- IQD = Iraqi Dinar
- JOD = Jordanian Dinar
- JPY = Japanese Yen
- KRW = South Korean Won
- KWD = Kuwaiti Dinar
- MXN = Mexican Peso
- MYR = Malaysian Ringgit
- NOK = Norwegian Krone
- NZD = New Zealand Dollar
- OMR = Omani Rial
- PHP = Philippine Piso
- PLN = Polish Złoty
- QAR = Qatari Riyal
- RUB = Russian Ruble
- SAR = Saudi Riyal
- SEK = Swedish Krona
- SGD = Singapore Dollar
- TWD = New Taiwan Dollar
- USD = U.S. Dollar
- VND = Vietnamese Dồng
- ZAR = South African Rand

Gemstones
Gemstones By Color
Gemstones By Color
Popular Gemstones
Popular Gemstones
- Sapphire
- Topaz
- Amethyst
- Emerald
- Citrine
- Ruby
- Tourmaline
- Garnet
- Tanzanite
- Aquamarine
- Opal
- Zircon
New Arrivals
Gems By Price
Pairs
Lots
Calibrated
Birthstones
Birthstones

By Gavin Clarke Reviewed By Andreas Zabczyk May 24, 2008 Updated Jan 23, 2019

History of Spinel Gemstones

Spinel is the name given to the red gemstones that have been somewhat confusingly associated with rubies throughout their history. The origin of the name is unclear although it is believed to have come from the Latin word, spina which means 'little thorn', and may refer to the sharp points that occur on some spinel crystals.

Purple Spinel from GemSelect

Alternatively spelled 'spynel', 'spinell', 'spinal', 'espinal', and 'spinelle', this gem has been documented in literature dating from the sixteenth century. However, it is clear that earlier still, in medieval times, spinel was known by other names, in particular, 'balas ruby' or 'lal', the Persian word for balas ruby. This comes from an ancient word for Badakhshan, a province in Northern Afghanistan that is famous for its rubies and spinel mines.

The Badakhshan mines were of great importance as early as 1000 - 1900 AD, and one of the earliest references to them occurs in the diary of Marco Polo (1254 - 1324 AD). He wrote the following of the spinel mines:

"Badashan is a province inhabited by people who worship Mahommet, and have a peculiar language. It forms a very great kingdom, and the royalty is hereditary... It is in this province that those fine and valuable gems the Balas Rubies are found... The stones are dug on the king's account, and no one else dares dig in that mountain on pain of forfeiture of life as well as goods; nor may one carry the stones out of the kingdom. But the king amasses them all, and sends them to other kings when he has tribute to render, or when he desires to offer a friendly present; and such only as he pleases he causes to be sold. Thus he acts in order to keep the Balas at a high value."

This extract could provide evidence that many of the finest early rubies and red spinels in gem collections around the world were originally mined at Badakhshan, and that some of the most famous stones, long thought to be rubies, are in fact spinel from this source. Two of the most famous form part of the British Crown Jewels and are known as the Black Prince's Ruby, and the Timur Ruby. Both have long and fascinating histories.

It was not until the nineteenth century that the structures of the many natural forms of spinel were finally recognized, as well as the astounding beauty and clarity of its range of colors.

Apart from its aesthetic qualities that are arguably equal to that of rubies, some spinel has another important quality which has been of use throughout history. One of the members of the spinel group, magnetite, has magnetic properties that make it perhaps the most important mineral ever to be discovered.

Mariners as early as the 11th century used this form of spinel known as lodestone, which literally means 'way stone', to magnetize their compasses and guide their ships at sea. This also saw the beginning of the art of cartography, as seamen began to plot the courses of their voyages and create the earliest maps of the world.

About Us

Gemstone Information Sign up for our Newsletter

Overall Rating -> 10

I have been here before, so I know how the site works. I enjoy looking at the gems and buying some. The site functions well.

Posted By Bugs in June, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

The website was very easy to navigate. We appreciated the details about each gem, and the sort and search features of the website were helpful and easy to use.

Posted By AV in May, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

It was a nice and easy process throughout! The website is simple and well made I found everything I needed quickly. I needed some emeralds of a certain size for my custom engagement ring but they only had 3 available on the website, So bought the available ones and reached put to customer service to see if they have any more and they messaged me back within minutes with a list of similar sized emeralds that were not on the site! I quickly purchased my remaining emerald and they added it to my first order! I am more than pleased with the experience and I will be recommending them to anyone in the market for gems! 10/10

Posted By Marty in July, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

Website is pretty easy to use. Some items do not have enough information like origin of the item or if they are natural or lab created. Not enough pictures/some pictures of products are not clear. This might possibly just be a mobile phone user problem however.

Posted By Lolo in October, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

Great selection and the website is easy to navigate

Posted By Ethan in September, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

Lightning fast shipping, high quality, the stones I bought were described and pictured in minute detail. I got exactly what I ordered and are very well pleased.

Posted By None in November, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

I’m very impressed with the options I have for the same type of gem as well as cut color etc. payment was easy I hope I’m satisfied

Posted By Moopie in June, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Spinel Info

Spinel Gemstone Information - An often overlooked Beauty ...

Gemstone Clarity and Cut

Clarity and Cut - Gemstone Information - GemSelect ...

Gemstone Type List

Gemstone Type List: A Complete List of Colored Gemstones ...