For centuries, the vibrant green of peridot and the banded earthiness of sardonyx have defined the birthstones of August. However, in 2016, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and Jewelers of America (JA) officially recognized a third gem for this month, elevating a stone long shrouded in historical confusion to its rightful place. This stone is spinel, a gem of dazzling brilliance, remarkable durability, and profound historical significance. While often mistaken for the world’s most coveted red gem, spinel has emerged from the shadows of its more famous counterpart to claim its own identity. It offers August-born individuals a spectrum of color, from the fiery red that rivaled ruby to soft pinks, vibrant oranges, and rare, cool blues. This article explores the multifaceted nature of spinel, delving into its geological origins, its storied past, its unique gemological properties, and the symbolic meanings that make it a powerful and versatile choice for jewelry and personal adornment.
History and Lore: A Gem of Royal Mistaken Identity
The history of spinel is inextricably linked to that of ruby, a relationship defined by centuries of mistaken identity. The very name “spinel” derives from the Latin word spina, meaning “thorn,” a reference to the sharp, pointed form of its crystals. For much of recorded history, however, this distinct mineral was not recognized as a separate entity. Instead, it was consistently misidentified as ruby, leading to its role in some of the world’s most famous historical jewels.
The most prominent example is the Black Prince’s “Ruby,” a magnificent 170-carat red gem that is now set in the Imperial State Crown of Great Britain. According to historical records, the stone was acquired by Edward, the Prince of Wales (known as the Black Prince), in 1367 as payment for a military victory on behalf of Peter of Castile. For over 400 years, it was considered a ruby, a crown jewel of immense value. It was not until the 18th century that the fundamental chemical differences between spinel and ruby were scientifically established, finally allowing gemologists to correctly identify the true nature of this historic stone. Today, the Black Prince’s “Ruby” is recognized as a red spinel, a testament to the gem’s durability and beauty, and it remains a centerpiece of the British Crown Jewels.
This case was not an isolated incident. The long-standing confusion between spinel and ruby stemmed from their similar appearance, particularly in the coveted red color range, and the lack of advanced gemological testing in earlier eras. Spinel’s brilliance and hardness made it a convincing substitute, and it was often sourced from the same historical mining regions in Southeast Asia. The 18th-century clarification was a pivotal moment in gemology, separating these two distinct minerals—ruby being corundum (aluminum oxide), while spinel is magnesium aluminate. This scientific distinction paved the way for spinel to be appreciated on its own merits, not as a mere imposter.
Beyond its royal connections, spinel was also attributed with metaphysical properties. Historical beliefs held that red spinel, along with other red gems, was a remedy for blood loss and inflammatory diseases. This association with vitality and health likely contributed to its later symbolic meanings of renewal and energy. While its official recognition as an August birthstone is a modern development, spinel’s journey from a misunderstood royal jewel to a celebrated gem in its own right is a narrative of rediscovery and reevaluation.
Geological Formation and Sources: Forged in Extreme Conditions
Spinel’s formation is a story of high-pressure, high-temperature geology, placing it among gems formed under some of the planet’s most extreme conditions. As a magnesium aluminate mineral, spinel crystallizes in the cubic system and is found primarily in metamorphic rocks, particularly in mafic and ultramafic environments. It can also occur in alluvial deposits, having been eroded from its original host rock and transported by water.
One of the most fascinating aspects of spinel’s origin is its presence in meteorites. Certain types of meteorites, known as pallasites, contain gem-quality spinel crystals, providing a cosmic link to this terrestrial gem. This extraterrestrial origin underscores the mineral’s stability and resilience, as it can survive the violent journey through Earth’s atmosphere.
Historically, the most significant sources of spinel have been in Asia. The famed “ruby” mines of Burma (now Myanmar) also produced some of the world’s finest red spinels, including the stones that were mistaken for rubies for centuries. The Badakhshan region of Afghanistan and Tajikistan was another legendary source, giving rise to the term “balas ruby,” which originally referred to red spinel from this area. These deposits have yielded stones of exceptional color and size.
Today, spinel is mined in several locations worldwide. Key sources include: * Myanmar (Burma): Still renowned for producing top-quality red and pink spinel. * Vietnam: An increasingly important source for vibrant red and pink material. * Tajikistan: Known for large crystals and a variety of colors. * Sri Lanka: Produces a wide range of spinel colors, including blue and pink. * Tanzania: A significant source for vibrant pink, purple, and blue spinel. * Other locations: Spinel is also found in Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States (New York and North Carolina).
The availability of spinel from diverse geographic locations contributes to its wide color range, as trace elements like chromium (for red and pink), iron (for blue and black), and cobalt (for vivid blue) influence its hue during formation.
Gemological Properties: The Science of Spinel
Spinel possesses a combination of physical and optical properties that make it both beautiful and practical for jewelry. Its durability, clarity, and brilliance are key factors in its growing popularity.
Chemical Composition and Crystal System: Spinel’s chemical formula is MgAl₂O₄ (magnesium aluminate). It crystallizes in the isometric (cubic) system, often forming well-defined octahedral crystals. This crystal structure contributes to its excellent hardness and lack of cleavage, making it resistant to breaking.
Hardness and Durability: On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, spinel ranks an 8. This places it just below topaz (8) and corundum (ruby and sapphire, 9), and significantly above most other colored gemstones. This high hardness means spinel is highly resistant to scratching and abrasion, making it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets that are subject to daily wear. It also has no cleavage, meaning it does not have planes of weakness that could cause it to split when struck, further enhancing its toughness.
Refractive Index and Brilliance: Spinel has a refractive index of approximately 1.718, which is relatively high. This property, combined with its cubic crystal system, gives spinel a bright, lively brilliance. While it does not exhibit the strong birefringence (double refraction) of some gems, its high refractive index and excellent polish allow it to reflect light beautifully, creating a captivating sparkle.
Color and Variety: One of spinel’s most remarkable attributes is its extensive color range. While vivid red is the most sought-after and historically significant color, spinel occurs in a stunning array of hues: * Red: The classic color, often compared to ruby, caused by trace amounts of chromium. * Pink: A popular and delicate color, ranging from soft pastel to vivid magenta. * Blue: Can be a deep cobalt blue or a lighter grayish-blue, colored by iron. * Orange and Purple: Vibrant and less common, often resulting from a combination of trace elements. * Black: Opaque and dramatic, caused by high iron content. * Colorless: Rare and sometimes used as a diamond simulant.
Clarity: Spinel is typically a clean gemstone. Inclusions are common but often do not significantly affect the stone’s beauty. Some inclusions can even be used to identify the gem’s origin or confirm its natural state. Unlike many other gems, spinel is not routinely treated, making it a popular choice for those seeking a natural, untreated stone.
The following table summarizes the key gemological properties of spinel:
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | MgAl₂O₄ (Magnesium Aluminate) |
| Crystal System | Isometric (Cubic) |
| Mohs Hardness | 8 |
| Refractive Index | 1.718 (± 0.017) |
| Specific Gravity | 3.60 (± 0.10) |
| Cleavage | None |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Common Colors | Red, pink, blue, orange, purple, black, colorless |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs: A Stone of Renewal and Vitality
While spinel’s official status as an August birthstone is recent, its symbolic meanings are deeply rooted in historical beliefs and modern interpretations of crystal healing. Each of the three August birthstones carries its own energetic signature, and spinel is associated with themes of renewal, vitality, and inspiration.
Historical Metaphysical Beliefs: Historically, spinel was believed to have healing properties, particularly for blood-related ailments. As mentioned, red spinel was thought to be a remedy for blood loss and inflammatory diseases. This connection to life force and vitality is a common theme for red stones across many cultures.
Modern Symbolic Meanings: In contemporary crystal lore, spinel is celebrated for its energizing and uplifting properties. It is often described as a stone of renewal, encouraging the wearer to release stress, overcome obstacles, and embrace new beginnings. Its vibrant energy is said to inspire creativity, boost vitality, and foster a positive outlook. The variety of colors allows for nuanced meanings: * Red Spinel: Symbolizes passion, energy, and grounding. It is associated with the root chakra and is believed to stimulate physical vitality and courage. * Pink Spinel: Linked to the heart chakra, it represents compassion, love, and emotional healing. It is thought to soothe the heart and encourage gentle self-love. * Blue Spinel: Associated with the throat and third-eye chakras, it is believed to enhance communication, promote calm, and facilitate spiritual insight. * Black Spinel: Seen as a protective stone, it is thought to absorb negative energy and provide grounding and stability.
For those born in August, spinel is considered a stone that supports personal growth, resilience, and the pursuit of joy. It is often recommended for individuals seeking to break free from old patterns, ignite their creative spark, or simply add a burst of positive energy to their daily lives. While these beliefs are not scientifically proven, they form an integral part of spinel’s cultural and historical identity, adding a layer of meaning for enthusiasts and collectors.
Care and Cleaning: Preserving Spinel’s Luster
Spinel’s excellent hardness and lack of cleavage make it relatively easy to care for, but it still requires proper handling to maintain its brilliance and longevity. Its durability allows it to be set in all types of jewelry, but certain precautions should be taken.
Cleaning Methods: * Safe Method: The safest way to clean spinel jewelry is with warm, soapy water and a soft-bristle brush. Gently scrub the stone and its setting to remove dirt and oils. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. * Avoid: While spinel is resistant to thermal shock, it is still advisable to avoid extreme temperature changes. Do not use steam cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners, especially if the stone is set in a delicate or antique piece, as vibrations could potentially damage the setting. Spinel can also be damaged by certain acids and long-term exposure to acidic perspiration, so it is wise to remove spinel jewelry before swimming in chlorinated pools or applying harsh chemicals.
Storage: * To prevent scratching, store spinel jewelry separately from other gemstones, especially those with greater hardness like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. A soft pouch or a compartmentalized jewelry box is ideal. * Given its durability, spinel can be worn daily, but it is always prudent to remove it during activities that could subject it to hard impacts or abrasive surfaces (e.g., heavy manual labor, sports).
Professional Maintenance: * Periodically, have your spinel jewelry inspected by a professional jeweler to check the security of the setting and the overall condition of the piece. Prongs can wear down over time, and a loose stone is at risk of being lost.
By following these simple care guidelines, a spinel gemstone can retain its vivid color and sparkling brilliance for generations, becoming a lasting heirloom.
Conclusion
Spinel’s journey to becoming an official August birthstone is a testament to its enduring appeal and remarkable qualities. Once overshadowed by the fame of ruby, it now stands on its own as a gem of exceptional beauty, historical intrigue, and symbolic power. From its formation in the depths of the Earth and in the cold vacuum of space to its setting in royal crowns, spinel has a story that spans the cosmos and human history. Its unparalleled hardness and dazzling array of colors—from the passionate reds to the tranquil blues—make it a versatile and practical choice for any jewelry lover. For those born in August, spinel offers not just a birthstone but a personal talisman of renewal, vitality, and inspiration. As modern consumers seek gems with unique character and authentic stories, spinel is poised to shine ever brighter, finally receiving the recognition it has deserved for centuries.