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Spinel
Spinel could be the most underrated gemstone we have. In ancient times, spinels were as highly thought of as rubies or sapphires, and they have a comparable clarity, depth and range of colors as well as durability.
Nowadays people are rediscovering the fine qualities that have seen spinels decorate many of the crown jewels of royalty in Europe and Asia.
Spinel Colors
Spinels can be found in a wide range of colors but it is the deep reds and the cobalt blues that are the most valuable.
Violet, pink and gray spinels are more common and less expensive but make stunning gemstones that are getting more and more popular amongst jewelry designers.
Read more about gemstones colors here
Spinel Species
Generally, spinels are just the single species which are separated by their color - red spinel, gray spinel and so on. They are all made up of the same mineral with traces of elements such as chromium, iron or cobalt causing the colors.
What are the spiritual benefits of Spinel?
Overall, spinel is an uplifting and revitalizing gemstone that can inspire you to bigger and better things. The individual colors can also contribute to their spiritual influences:
- Black - Grounding and Protecting
- Violet - Wisdom and Insight
- Gray - Cool and Balanced
- Red - Passion and Desire
See our detailed article on Spinel meaning and uses
Spinel and the Chakras
The various colors found in spinel let these gemstones realign and unblock different Chakras. For example:
- Blue Spinel - Throat Chakra
- Red Spinel - Root Chakra
- Violet Spinel - Crown Chakra
- Black Spinel - Root Chakra
Find more details on Chakra gemstones here
Spinel Price
Although perhaps not as expensive as the finest rubies and sapphire, spinel is still a premium priced gemstone especially the vivid red and blue examples.
Other colors such as violet, gray, light pink, purple are lovely gemstones which can be found at much more reasonable prices.
Black spinels are the least expensive and are often bought for their spiritual power as well as their dramatic looks.
Of course, as with all gemstones, clarity and cut will have a major affect on the price of spinels and most should be at least eye-clean.
Look out for garishly colored blue spinels as unlike most spinels the color is the result of extensive treatment.
Carat Weight
Large spinels with a weight above 2 or 3 carats are exceedingly rare and the price will reflect this with price per carat rising dramatically as the stones get larger.
Top quality red spinels may be $1000 per carat at around one carat in weight but will quickly hit $2000 per carat over 2 carats in weight and may reach $5000 per carat if it is a top quality gemstone that is more than 5 carats.
The less rare violet and gray stones can be bought for between $20 and $200 per carat and the black examples much less no matter the size.
For more details please refer to our full Spinel Info page here
Treatments
Spinel is one of the few gemstones not treated in any way other than being cut and polished into the lovely items as seen on our website for sale.
We have seen some bright blue spinels for sale which look totally artificial and are colored by surface diffusion. So long as this treatment information is clearly displayed we have no problem but do be wary of any 'untreated' spinel with such unnatural coloring.
Spinel History
After centuries of being interchangeable with the often similar Ruby, spinel was finally scientifically identified by mineralogist, Jean Baptiste de Lisle in 1783.
Soon, the Black Prince's Ruby and the Timur Ruby in England's Crown Jewels as well as the giant red gemstone in Catherine the Great's Imperial Crown were discovered to be spinels.
Where are Spinels found?
Traditional sources of spinel include Myanmar, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka and Pakistan and they still produce many quality gemstones to this day. Newer sources include Tanzania, Thailand and Australia.
What jewelry is Spinel suitable for?
Spinel is rated at 8 on Mohs hardness scale which puts them just below sapphires and rubies and certainly tough enough for all jewelry items including daily wear pieces.
Spinels bright luster and notable sparkle make them an excellent choice for fine quality jewelry items such as engagement rings or matching jewelry sets.
Birthstones and Anniversaries
Spinel is the one of the official birthstones for August. It would make a great present for someone you know who celebrates a birthday in this month.
Spinel is the traditional gift for the 22nd wedding anniversary.
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