Spinel Gemstone Value
Introduction
Spinel is a stunning gemstone that has recently gained recognition for its beauty and value, often overshadowed by more famous stones like ruby and sapphire. You can find it in an impressive range of colors, from deep reds and vibrant pinks to rich blues and blacks. This variety gives spinel a unique mix of brilliance and durability that makes it stand out.
For in-depth details on this fascinating stone, explore our comprehensive guide to spinel gemstones.
Historical Background
Natural spinel remains one of the most undervalued fine gemstones today. This stems mostly from history. Since spinel often appears in the same deposits as corundum, many samples were mistakenly identified as ruby or sapphire. A prime example is the Black Prince's Ruby, a massive uncut spinel set in the Imperial State Crown of the United Kingdom. Weighing around 170 carats, this gem has belonged to the British Royal Family since the 14th century - and for centuries, everyone thought it was a ruby.
Spinel wasn't identified as its own gem type until 1783. Isn't it interesting how such mix-ups shaped its reputation?
Physical Properties
To learn more about this captivating color variety, visit our page on blue spinel gems and their characteristics.
Spinel is nearly as hard as sapphire or ruby, scoring an 8 on the Mohs scale compared to 9 for corundum. It also has a similar refractive index. However, spinel is one of the rare gemstones that is singly refractive, which makes it straightforward to tell apart from corundum using basic tools.
One key aspect of spinel gemstone value is its rarity. Though it was confused with rubies and sapphires before, it's now appreciated for its distinct qualities. This scarcity makes spinel especially appealing to collectors who value something unique.
Beyond rarity, spinel stands out for its exceptional clarity and brilliance. Its high refractive index creates a dazzling sparkle that can match even top-tier gems. Pair that with its vivid colors, and you have a stone that's perfect for jewelry.
Factors Influencing Value
The value of spinel depends on elements like size, color, and cut. Larger spinel gemstones with intense, vivid hues generally fetch higher prices than smaller or lighter ones. A precise cut maximizes the stone's brilliance and color, boosting its overall worth.
Comparison to Other Gemstones
Fine spinel holds its own against ruby and sapphire in terms of brilliance, luster, and fire. It's a tough gem with excellent hardness and minimal cleavage. Plus, it comes in a broad spectrum of colors, including red, pink, violet, blue, orange, green, and silver.
Market Insights
What sets natural spinel apart in today's market is that it's never heated or treated. No methods exist yet to enhance its color or clarity artificially. In contrast, much of the sapphire and ruby available has undergone heat treatment. Given that, it's surprising untreated spinel costs less than half as much as treated sapphire or ruby. As more people learn about spinel's strengths, this pricing gap could narrow - something to keep an eye on if you're interested in gems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is spinel?
Spinel is a gemstone known for its range of colors, brilliance, and durability, often found alongside corundum but distinct in its properties.
How does spinel differ from ruby or sapphire?
Spinel is singly refractive, slightly softer (Mohs 8 vs. 9), and untreated, while ruby and sapphire are doubly refractive and often heat-treated.
Is spinel treated or enhanced?
No, natural spinel is not treated; no known methods improve its color or clarity.
What factors affect spinel's value?
Value is influenced by rarity, color intensity, size, clarity, brilliance, and cut quality.
Where is spinel typically found?
Spinel is mined in locations like Tanzania and Burma, often in the same areas as ruby and sapphire.
