Spinel is a Thoroughly Modern Gemstone - Part 2
- Chris & Lee Minturn
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
After spending time exploring Spinel's remarkable history in Part 1, it seems only fair that we spend some time getting to know the gem itself. Beyond the crowns, battles and royal intrigue lies a gemstone of extraordinary beauty. Spinel occurs in an astonishing range of colours and possesses a brilliance that has captivated collectors and jewellers for centuries.
Spinel is one of August’s birthstones and can be found in a dazzling array of colours, ranging from vibrant reds and deep blues to hot pinks, oranges, purples, and greys. Increasingly Spinel is appreciated as an incredibly beautiful gemstone.
What makes gem quality Spinel?
Unlike many gemstones, Spinel is often found with exceptional clarity and brilliance. Fine specimens can appear almost illuminated from within, displaying vivid colours and a lively sparkle that rivals far more famous gems.
Spinel is a mineral gemstone that is made up of Magnesium Aluminium Oxide (MgAl₂0). It forms deep within Earths' crust, under extreme heat and pressure. It is extracted from alluvial deposits, granite and marble rock and are generally found with Corundum.
Their crystal system is often in octahedrons, octahedral twins, and rhombic dodecahedron. These forms enable a distinctive structure and excellent brilliance when cut and polished well.
A Rainbow of Colour
One of Spinel's greatest attractions is its extraordinary colour range. While the historic red Spinel often steal the spotlight, collectors are increasingly seeking vibrant pinks, lavender purples, cobalt blues, fiery oranges and elegant greys.
Unlike many gemstones, Spinel's colours often appear fresh, lively and highly saturated.
Trace elements act as colour causing agents; these chromophores create colours from across the spectrum with impurities of iron, chromium, vanadium, cobalt.
Pure Spinel is entirely colourless and exceedingly rare. Quality gems are remarkably free from flaws and imperfections. This gemstone displays a vitreous lustre and takes a brilliant polish.
Global origins of Spinel
The finest Spinel originate from some of the same regions that supplied gems to ancient rulers and traders. The legendary mines of Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Myanmar have produced extraordinary specimens for centuries, while modern discoveries in Vietnam, Tanzania and Brazil continue to reveal remarkable colours and qualities.
Each location is associated with distinct colours and qualities, giving Spinel a sense of place and origin that leaves a signature within its crystal structure. Spinel often travelled the Silk Road and Asian trade networks as an exotic gem for rich and powerful to own. They were coveted as a spoil of war.
Today we don’t need to rely on the caravanserai to arrive, we are connected to Precious Gem Importers, our NZ based gemstone supplier of quality gems. They have a great selection of Spinel jewels.
Spinel is a gem of quality.
Spinel hardness and durability make it suitable for everyday wear and should be cared for properly. See our blogs on Jewellery Care.
It appears on the Mohs Hardness Scale at 8, (one grade down from Ruby & Sapphires).
As with all quality gemstones the colour, clarity, carat, cut, and origin all contribute to the value of Spinel. Intense colours and excellent clarity are the most valuable gems with high-quality and rare examples are becoming increasingly sought after.
If you found my journal note on Spinel interesting, click and send us a heart 💖, we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Additionally, get in touch if you are looking for a quality Spinel, we can start a discussion with Precious Gems Imports to find what you desire. We can design a bespoke piece of jewellery, working with that gem, especially for you.
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