Spinel: The Hidden Gem You Should Know
You know that wallflower at the party—the one who's quietly beautiful but tends to get overshadowed? That’s Spinel (pronounced spih-NELL) in the gemstone world. This gorgeous stone has been hanging out in the background while more well-known gems like Ruby and Sapphire grab all the attention. But now, Spinel is ready to step out of the shadows and steal the show on the dance floor.
So, what’s the deal with Spinel? Why hasn’t it been the center of attention? Well, for starters, Spinel has been the ultimate shape-shifter for centuries, often mistaken for other, more famous gemstones. You know those rubies in the British Crown Jewels? Surprise! They’re actually Spinels! Spinel is starting to receive the recognition it deserves, especially since it’s now an official peridot alternative for the August birthstone.
Spinel is not just a pretty face; it's also remarkably durable, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear. With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, Spinel is resilient enough to withstand daily activities without easily scratching or chipping. This durability, combined with its vibrant colors, makes Spinel a versatile gemstone suitable for a variety of jewelry, from rings and earrings to pendants and bracelets. However, not all Spinels—or gemstones in general—are created or cut equally. The true beauty of Spinel is deeply influenced by the skill of the person who facets it. Unfortunately, many Spinels on the market don’t achieve their full potential due to subpar cutting. At Croft & Stern, we are meticulous in our selection process, ensuring that the cut or "make" of the gem is of the highest quality. We believe that a well-faceted Spinel truly reveals the stone’s brilliance and color, making each piece a work of art.
Croft & Stern Featured Designs (left to right): Gray Spinel and Peach Zircon Earrings, Gray Spinel and Rhodolite Garnet Pendant, Gray-Violet Spinel and Diamond earrings
One of the most remarkable aspects of Spinel is its rich history. This gemstone has been mined for centuries in regions such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Tanzania. Revered by ancient cultures long before gaining modern recognition, Spinel has quietly adorned some of the most famous and cherished pieces of jewelry. One of the most notable examples is the Black Prince's Ruby, which, despite its name, is actually a magnificent red Spinel. This gemstone is set in the Imperial State Crown of England and has been worn by British royalty for centuries. Another famous Spinel is the Timur Ruby, a 361-carat gem engraved with the names of Mughal emperors, further emphasizing its historical significance and royal connections.
“The World's Most Famous Spinel: "The Black Prince's Ruby" is actually a red spinel. It was mounted as the primary focal stone of the Imperial State Crown - part of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. This illustration was created by Cyril Davenport in 1919.”
[A spectacular gem mineral confused with ruby and sapphire for over 1000 years.
Author: Hobart M. King, PhD, GIA Graduate Gemologist]
The Timur Ruby gets its name from Timur, the ruthless 14th century Turco-Mongol conqueror, who founded the Timurid Empire. Hailing from what is now Uzbekistan, Timur’s military conquests were vast, spanning from Mongolia in the east and the Mediterranean in the west, to India in the south and Russia in the north.
After successfully capturing Delhi in 1398, Timur left India six months later weighed down with a bounty of jewelry and gemstones. One of those stones was the Timur Ruby.
The unfaceted stone has a semi-polished flat face that is inscribed in Arabic script with the names of four Mughal emperors and two Persian rulers who possessed the stone. The inscriptions are dated between 1612 and 1771.
By Howard Cohen]
Let’s talk color. Spinel comes in a rainbow of shades, from fiery reds and deep blues to pretty pinks and rich purples. It even comes in black, for those of you with a bit of an edge. And here’s the kicker—Spinel’s brilliance is right up there with Sapphire, making it a seriously stunning choice for jewelry that pops.
Spinel's color variations come from trace elements that get incorporated into its crystal structure during formation. Here's a breakdown of what causes the different colors:
Red Spinel: The presence of chromium (Cr) gives spinel its vibrant red color. Red spinel is often compared to rubies because of its deep, rich hue.
Blue Spinel: Trace amounts of iron (Fe) contribute to blue shades. Blue spinel can range from a light grayish-blue to a deep, intense cobalt blue, depending on the amount and oxidation state of iron present.
Pink Spinel: A lower concentration of chromium results in pink spinel. The intensity of the pink depends on how much chromium is present.
Purple Spinel: This color results from a combination of chromium and iron. The interaction between these elements creates a range of purples, from light lavender to deep violet.
Orange and Yellow Spinel: The presence of iron in different oxidation states, along with sometimes magnesium, can produce orange and yellow hues. These colors are less common.
Black Spinel: High levels of iron, particularly in its reduced form, can give spinel a black appearance, often with a slight metallic luster.
These colors can be influenced by the geological environment in which the spinel forms, including temperature, pressure, and the availability of trace elements.
Now, if you’re born in August (or just really love August vibes), you’ve probably been rocking Peridot as your birthstone for years. But let’s be honest, lime green is divisive. Enter Spinel—a gemstone that offers variety, brilliance, and a story to tell. Whether you choose a moody, dark Spinel or a trendy pastel shade, you’re bound to fall in love with this versatile gem.
Spinel holds a special place among Croft & Stern owner, Kelly's, favorite gems. The gemstone’s deep, saturated colors—from rich reds to vivid blues—make it a standout in any piece of jewelry. Its ability to be cut into unique and striking shapes ad to its charm, offering endless possibilities for creative design. What truly sets Spinel apart, though, is its underrated status. Despite its stunning beauty and rich history, it remains relatively unknown to many, making it a perfect conversation starter.
Spinel’s blend of durability, beauty, and rich history makes it not only a practical choice for jewelry but also a gemstone with a captivating story to tell. Whether you’re drawn to its striking appearance or its intriguing past, Spinel is a gem that promises to stand the test of time—both in terms of wearability and timeless appeal.
