Gem Library

BUYER’S OVERVIEW:
Spinel is considered to be a semi-precious gemstone. While not abundant in nature, clear, natural stones are available but large stones are rare and synthetic Spinels, especially those that mimic the rare blue, red or pink colors are widespread, especially on internet auction sites.

Spinel is judged by depth of color and clarity with the finest Spinel having a saturated pure color, with minimal brownish or gray overtones. The red and pink Spinels are the most prized, followed by the lavender and blues. Any Spinel over 2 carats is rare and good stones over 3 carats are very rare indeed.

COLOR:
Spinel comes in a wide range of colors including; red, pink, orange, blue, violet, purple and black. Yellow, green, brown and colorless stones are seldom used as gems.

APPEARANCE:
Transparent to opaque, Spinel is a Type II gemstone and is usually included.

Phenomena: Spinel sometimes exhibits the phenomena of color change and will rarely exhibit Asterism, a pattern of reflected light that forms star patterns (usually 4 or 6-rayed), typically seen in star rubies and star sapphires.

SIZE RANGE:
0.5 to 3 carats; faceted stones over 40 carats have been seen but any Spinel over 2 carats is rare, and good stones over 3 carats are very rare.

TYPICAL CUTTING STYLES:
Transparent: most cutting styles are available, typically cut as oval, round or cushion.
Translucent to opaque: cabochons, beads and carvings

POSSIBLE ENHANCEMENTS & TREATMENTS:
Spinel has no known enhancements.

HARDNESS:
8 on the Mohs scale.

BEST USE OF THE GEMSTONE:
Spinel is a strong gemstone and as such can be used in any type of jewelry, however, reasonable care should be taken with all gems.

CARE & CLEANING:
It is best to never expose colored gemstones to cleaning solvents or chemicals of any kind.
Common cleaning methods include:
Ultrasonic: usually safe
Steamer: usually safe
Warm soapy water: safe
Reaction to Chemicals: can be damaged by acids.
Reaction to Heat: light colored stones may fade under intense heat
Stability to Light: stable

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS GEMSTONE:
Many famous gemstones in crown jewel sets around the world that are believed to be rubies are actually Spinels. The most famous is the Black Prince’s Ruby, a magnificent 170 carat red Spinel that currently adorns the Imperial State Crown in the British Crown Jewels and was once worn by Henry V on his battle helmet. The Timur Ruby, a 352 carat red Spinel now owned by Queen Elizabeth, has the names of some of the Mughal emperors who previously owned it engraved on its face. The worlds two largest Spinels, each 520 carats, are on display at the British Museum of London and the “Diamond Fund” in Moscow owns a Spinel of 400 carats. Today, Spinel is a great substitute for ruby and sapphire gemstones as well.

Within the spinel group some specimens have established their own names; Flame Spinel is bright orange to orange-red, Balas Spinel is pale red, Pleonaste is dark green to blackish and opaque, Hercynite is dark green to black, Grahnite is blue, violet, or dark green to blackish, Gahnospinel is blue to dark blue or green and Picotite is brownish, dark green or black.

When many people think of Spinel, they think of the cheap synthetic Spinel used in low-end birthstone jewelry. However, some of the rarest gems in the world are Spinels and in nature, the gem usually occurs with ruby and sapphire. Unlike most gems on the market today Spinel is not treated which makes it a very rare gem indeed.

DESIGNATION:
Associated with 22^nd wedding anniversary.

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