It’s hard to overstate how underappreciated spinel is. Spinel, sometimes known as an alternative to ruby or sapphire, is a beautiful semi-precious stone that comes in an array of vibrant colors and carries special historical and cultural meaning.
Undoubtedly, certain types and colors of spinel are more appreciated than others. Eye-inspiring cobalt blue, passionate red, and hot pink all fetch a high price per carat. But spinel also offers a connection to history and a way for many to find joy in their lives. This stone of rejuvenation is only starting to be recognized for its magnificent properties.
| Spinel Stone Color | Lilac, Mauve, Red, Pink, Cobalt Blue, Orange, Green, Black, Yellow, White, Brown |
| Birthstone Month | August |
| Hardness Scale | 8 on Mohs Scale |
| Mineral Class | Oxide |
| Symbolism | Hope, Joy, Revitalization, Energy |
What is Spinel stone
Spinel belongs to the oxide mineral class. The spinel family includes different types of spinel: gahnite, hercynite, ceylonite, picotite, and galaxite. Spinel is the new birthstone for August and is classified as a semi-precious stone.
The value of spinel varies based upon its color, clarity, and rarity. The most valuable spinel is red spinel, as well as blue, orange, and pink. Its price per carat can be as low as $50, while exceptionally rare spinel costs a few thousand dollars to over $9,000 per carat.
Spinel is not as well known but becoming increasingly popular for fine jewelry. With its notable density and a Mohs hardness rating of 8 out of 10, spinel is practical for everyday wear. It also has excellent cleavage to be cut into a faceted stone. For this reason, red spinel in particular is growing as an alternative to rubies.
What does Spinel look like
Spinel displays a cross-hatchet effect. Cross hatchet effects provide a blend of light and shadows that comprise a multi-dimensional look. This is further enhanced when spinel stones are faceted.
It’s easy to see why red spinel is growing in popularity as a ruby alternative. Yet all types of spinel are noteworthy for show-stopping colors, single refraction, and transparent allure. The most valuable spinel colors are ruby red, cobalt blue, hot pink, and fiery orange. Other colors include lilac, mauve, green, yellow, black, and white.
Like other semi-precious stones, spinel is rated based upon color, clarity, carat, and cut. Color grading for spinel also includes tone or the level of saturation. The more saturated and vivid the color, the higher the price per carat. Likewise, spinels with few inclusions are most valuable.
History of Spinel
Though the lack of awareness surrounding spinel suggests it has not been important, its history says otherwise.
Spinel was used as a gem for rulers and royals as far back as Ancient China and Rome. It’s been postulated that it was sometimes mistaken for either rubies or sapphires. Within Asia, spinel crystals were beloved by rulers and sometimes gifted following wars. Persia also has a history of using spinel as royal gems. Spinel also played a role in 14th-century Spain.
If any region is associated with spinel as a royal gem, it is England. The “Black Prince’s Ruby” is actually spinel and the main feature of the Imperial State Crown. The infamous Henry VIII loved spinel, as did many monarchs before and after him. Spinel remains a prominent part of the royal jewel collection.
Today, sources of spinel are still being discovered. It’s a more affordable alternative to rubies, but slowly becoming recognized for its inherent value in its own right.
Meaning of Spinel
The value of spinel extends beyond its price per carat, and even its rich lore and history. Spinel holds special meaning to many for its healing properties and emotional benefits.
Spinel is a stone of hope. It symbolizes a zest for life, passion, and pure joy. Many use it as a stone of rejuvenation. Spinel is thought to help someone reconnect with their sense of creativity, passion, and connection with themselves.
Spinel also provides physical healing benefits. That includes increased stamina and energy. Spinel fosters a healthy mind and decreases lethargy and forgetfulness. It releases exhaustion and negative energy, optimizing the best of our traits.
Where does Spinel come from
Spinel is mined within Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. It can also be found in Russia. Australia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, Canada, the United States, and Africa. More sources may be discovered in the future. For now, spinel is relatively rare and difficult to find.
The process of mining spinel is unique. While many gemstones are mined from raw rock deposits, spinel is sourced from minute gem ‘gravels’. These gravels usually travel down a stream and may contain other minerals.
Crystals are then rounded, refined, and other mineral clusters are subsequently removed. The most valuable spinel stones are faceted and used for jewelry-making. Hydraulic hoses are often used in the process of refining and removing extraneous minerals.
Which zodiac sign is Spinel for
While spinel is the birthstone for August, it’s associated with four zodiac signs: Aries, Sagittarius, Taurus, and Scorpio. This shows how multi-dimensional the meaning and benefits of spinel are.
Red spinel is especially associated with Aries. The fiery red color is associated with passion, devotion, and a zest for life. That fits the determined personality and passion of Aries. It also suits the risk-taking nature and adventurous side of Sagittarius.
Meanwhile, a Taurus is intelligent, hard-working, and diligent. This personality is well-suited for the energy and rejuvenation that all types of spinel provide. Scorpios have an aura of mystery, coupled with passion and creativity. This matches the joy, hope, and connection to one’s life that spinel provides.
Which family is Spinel from
Spinel has its own family: all types of spinel fall under the spinel gemstone family. Other minerals within the spinel group include: gahnite, hercynite, ceylonite, picotite, and galaxite.
The spinel family encompasses gems with a composition of magnesium-aluminum oxide. The spinel family falls under the broader group of oxide minerals.
Oxide minerals are minerals that consist of an oxide anion, which is then combined with metal alloys. Oxide minerals are widely noted for their stability, density, and hardness. Most oxide minerals are refractory and have notable (modest to high) luster.
While spinel is an example of an oxide used for birthstone jewelry, oxides have myriad other purposes. Those purposes include: making pigments, batteries, and clarifying glass.
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Frequently asked questions about Spinel
Spinels are quite valuable and expensive. The price per carat varies depending on the type and color of spinel. Red, cobalt blue, hot pink, and fiery orange are the most valuable colors. Faceted spinels of all kinds hold more value than many precious stones. The price per carat ranges from as little as $50 to over $10,000.
Spinel is classified as a semi-precious gemstone, not a precious gemstone. There are four main precious stones: diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. Semi-precious gemstones, like spinel, often still hold value and may also be rare.
Spinel is not as expensive as a ruby or a diamond. However, it is expensive compared to many other semi-precious gems and other jewelry birthstones. This is due to how rare spinel is, especially blue or faceted spinel. Spinel is 100 times rarer than both sapphires and rubies. With a low supply, the price per carat is naturally higher than other stones within the semi-precious gemstone category.
Spinel is a rare gem. It’s even less common than a ruby. Faceted spinel—especially red and pink spinel—is exceptionally rare. However, the rarest color of spinel is vivid, cobalt blue. Despite this, a spinel’s price per carat is lower than a diamond or a ruby. Spinel is also classified as a semi-precious gem, as opposed to a fully precious gemstone.
