Spinel: Meaning, Colours, Properties & Jewellery Guide

What Is Spinel?

Spinel is a natural gemstone and a distinct mineral in its own right. It is not a variety of ruby or sapphire, despite historical confusion between these gemstones. Spinel has its own chemical composition—magnesium aluminium oxide—and forms in a cubic crystal system, which differs from the hexagonal structure of corundum (ruby and sapphire).

Spinel occurs naturally in a wide range of colours, including red, vivid pink, orange, purple, violet, blue and black. The gemstone's brilliance and clarity make it highly desirable for fine jewellery.

Spinel Colour and Appearance

Spinel is celebrated for its exceptional colour range. Red spinel, vivid pink spinel, violet spinel and blue spinel are particularly well known and highly valued. The gemstone's colour is caused by trace elements within its crystal structure. For example, chromium typically produces red and pink hues, whilst iron and cobalt can contribute to blue tones.

The intensity and saturation of colour vary from stone to stone. Vivid, evenly distributed colour is generally preferred, though personal taste plays an important role in gemstone selection.

Spinel and Ruby: Understanding the Difference

For centuries, red spinel was confused with ruby because the two gemstones can look very similar to the naked eye. Several historically famous stones once described as rubies were later identified as spinel. This confusion arose because both gemstones can display rich red hues and were often found in the same geographical regions.

However, spinel and ruby are different gemstones. Ruby is red corundum, with a chemical composition of aluminium oxide and a hexagonal crystal structure. Spinel, by contrast, is magnesium aluminium oxide with a cubic crystal structure. Modern gemological testing can easily distinguish between the two.

Spinel Durability

Spinel has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it one of the harder gemstones available. This hardness, combined with generally good toughness, means spinel is suitable for a wide range of jewellery, including rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants and bracelets.

Spinel jewellery can be worn regularly, though sensible care should always be taken to avoid hard impacts and exposure to harsh chemicals.

Where Spinel Is Found

Spinel is mined in several countries around the world. Recognised sources include Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania, Tajikistan and Pakistan. Each location can produce spinel in a variety of colours and qualities.

It is important to note that geographical origin alone does not determine gemstone quality. A spinel's colour, clarity, cut and overall appearance are the primary factors that influence its value and desirability.

Assessing Spinel Quality

Several factors influence the quality and value of spinel:

• Colour: Vivid, evenly distributed colour is generally preferred. Red, pink, violet and blue spinels are particularly sought after.
• Saturation: Highly saturated colours tend to be more desirable than pale or washed-out tones.
• Clarity: Eye-clean stones with minimal visible inclusions are typically valued more highly.
• Cut: A well-executed cut maximises brilliance and colour.
• Carat weight: Larger stones are rarer and may command higher prices per carat.
• Transparency: Transparent stones are generally preferred over opaque examples.
• Treatments: Untreated spinel is generally more desirable than treated material.
• Overall appearance: The gemstone's visual appeal is ultimately the most important consideration.

There is no universally recognised AAA, AA or A grading system for spinel. Such labels may be created by individual sellers rather than independent gemological standards. When purchasing spinel, it is best to assess the stone's appearance and quality directly.

Natural, Treated and Laboratory-Grown Spinel

Natural spinel is generally less commonly treated than many other coloured gemstones. Most spinel on the market is untreated, though heat treatment or fracture filling may occasionally be encountered. Any treatments should be disclosed by the seller.

Laboratory-grown spinel also exists and has been produced for many years. Lab-grown spinel should be clearly distinguished from natural spinel, as the two have different origins and market values.

Blue Spinel

Blue spinel is one of the rarer and more sought-after spinel colours. Some vivid blue spinels owe their colour to trace amounts of cobalt, which can produce an intense, saturated blue hue. Cobalt-blue spinel is particularly prized by collectors and jewellery enthusiasts.

As with all spinel, the quality of blue spinel is assessed based on colour, clarity, cut and overall appearance.

Caring for Spinel Jewellery

Spinel is a durable gemstone, but proper care will help maintain its beauty over time.

Cleaning Spinel

The safest way to clean spinel jewellery is with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth or brush. Gently scrub the stone and setting, then rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Ultrasonic and steam cleaners may be suitable for many untreated spinels, but stones containing fractures or fracture filling require more caution. When in doubt, warm soapy water is the safest general cleaning method.

What to Avoid

• Hard impacts or knocks
• Abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals
• Extreme heat
• Sudden temperature changes

Store spinel jewellery separately from other pieces to prevent scratching, and remove jewellery before engaging in activities that could expose it to damage.

Spinel Meaning and Symbolism

Throughout history, spinel has been associated with various symbolic meanings. Traditional beliefs have linked spinel with energy, courage, happiness and renewal. Some cultures have regarded red spinel as a stone of vitality and passion, whilst other colours have been connected to different qualities.

These associations are cultural or symbolic traditions and should not be interpreted as healing, medical or supernatural claims. Spinel is valued primarily for its beauty and durability as a gemstone.

Spinel as an August Birthstone

Spinel is now recognised as one of the birthstones associated with August, alongside peridot and sardonyx. This designation was officially added in 2016, giving those born in August a wider choice of birthstone options.

Spinel's range of colours means that August-born individuals can choose from red, pink, orange, violet, blue or other hues to suit their personal preferences.