For centuries, spinel has been a gemstone of remarkable beauty and historical intrigue, yet it has often lived in the shadow of more famous gems. As a member of the August birthstone trio alongside peridot and sardonyx, spinel has finally stepped into its own, celebrated for its vibrant colors, durability, and captivating lore. This article delves into the world of spinel, exploring its journey from being mistaken for ruby and sapphire to its rightful place as a cherished birthstone. We will examine its rich history, geological origins, gemological properties, and the symbolic meanings that have made it a stone of renewal and hope for generations.
Spinel’s story is one of rediscovery. Historically, it was frequently confused with corundum (the mineral family of ruby and sapphire), leading to its misidentification in royal collections worldwide. It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that gemologists could definitively distinguish the two minerals. Today, spinel is recognized for its own merits—a durable, colorful, and relatively affordable gemstone that offers a stunning palette for jewelry enthusiasts. Its inclusion as a modern August birthstone in 2016 by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and Jewelers of America (JA) has brought renewed attention to this magnificent gem, allowing it to shine in its own right.
History and Lore
Spinel’s historical narrative is intertwined with that of rubies and sapphires. For millennia, spinel crystals were prized by royalty and aristocrats, often mistakenly believing them to be the more precious corundum. As early as ancient Rome and China, spinel was a popular choice for kings and nobility, valued for its deep red and blue hues that closely mimicked those of rubies and sapphires. In Asia, spinel crystals were occasionally given as gifts after wars, and the use of spinel as a royal gem dates back to ancient Persia. During the 14th century, spinel was also a coveted stone in Spain.
The confusion between spinel and ruby persisted for centuries. It was not until the mid-1800s that European scientists and gem dealers learned that spinel and ruby were two different minerals. Before this discovery, several spectacular spinels were used in the crown jewels of monarchs, misidentified as rubies. The most stunning example is the "Black Prince's Ruby," a 170-carat gem in the British Crown Jewels. Other famous misidentified spinels include the 352-carat Timur Ruby and the 398-carat Catherine the Great’s Ruby. These magnificent stones, once thought to be rubies, were later correctly identified as spinels, highlighting the gem’s long history of being overshadowed by its more famous counterpart.
The journey of spinel to becoming a recognized birthstone is relatively recent. Traditionally, the only birthstones for August were peridot and sardonyx. In July 2016, both the Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association added spinel as a third birthstone for August. This decision was made to provide a wider range of choices to individuals born in August, acknowledging spinel’s beauty and durability. Prior to this, spinel was often overlooked, but its inclusion as a birthstone has helped bring it out of the shadows and into the spotlight, allowing consumers to appreciate its unique qualities beyond its resemblance to ruby and sapphire.
Geological Formation and Sources
Spinel is an oxide mineral with the chemical formula MgAl₂O₄ (magnesium aluminum oxide). It forms in a variety of geological environments, often under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. Notably, spinel frequently grows in the same mines as rubies and sapphires, which contributed to the historical confusion between the gems. The two minerals can appear virtually identical to the untrained eye, especially in their red and blue varieties.
Prominent sources of spinel include Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Myanmar. These countries have long been known for producing high-quality spinel crystals, particularly in vibrant red and blue colors. Additional spinel sources can be found in Africa, the United States, Russia, Canada, Vietnam, and Japan. The gem’s occurrence in these diverse locations underscores its global distribution and the geological conditions required for its formation.
Spinel’s formation often occurs in metamorphic rocks, such as marble, and in alluvial deposits where it has been eroded from its original host rock and concentrated in riverbeds and sediments. This is particularly true for spinel from Sri Lanka and Myanmar, where alluvial mining is common. The gem’s presence alongside corundum in these deposits is a key reason for its historical misidentification.
Gemological Properties
Spinel is a gemstone of notable durability and beauty, making it an excellent choice for jewelry. Its physical and chemical properties distinguish it from corundum and other gemstones, despite some superficial similarities.
Key Characteristics
Spinel belongs to the oxide mineral class and is composed of isometric oxides of iron, magnesium, and zinc. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is a key factor in its suitability for everyday wear. Different sources provide slightly varying hardness values, but they all agree that spinel is a durable gemstone: - Source [3] states spinel has a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale. - Source [2] describes spinel as having a "fair ranking of 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness."
This range places spinel among the harder gemstones, making it resistant to scratching and suitable for various jewelry settings, including rings and bracelets that are subject to daily wear.
Color Variety
One of spinel’s most captivating attributes is its wide range of colors. Natural spinel occurs in a stunning array of hues, offering jewelers and collectors a diverse palette to choose from. According to the sources, spinel can be found in the following colors: - Red, pink, blue, purple, lavender, green, brown, black, and colorless (Source [2]). - Red, pink, orange, green, white, colorless, violet, yellow, brown, and black (Source [3]).
The most valuable and sought-after colors are red and blue. Red spinels derive their color from the presence of chromium, while the deep blue varieties get their stunning hue from cobalt. Pink and orange varieties are colored by iron and chromium. The cobalt-blue spinel, in particular, is highly prized for its vivid, saturated color.
Clarity and Cut
Spinel is typically found with good clarity. As noted in Source [3], the quality and clarity of spinel can be "breathtaking." It is often faceted to maximize its brilliance and color. The gem’s isometric crystal structure allows it to be cut into a variety of shapes, from classic rounds to more elaborate designs, showcasing its vibrant colors and sparkle.
Value and Rarity
While spinel is more budget-friendly than ruby and sapphire (Source [1]), high-quality spinels are considered rare and valuable. The sources emphasize that the rarity and color palette contribute to its cost. Specifically, red, cobalt blue, orange, and pink varieties are highly sought-after and command higher prices. Among these, red, cobalt blue, and pink spinels are noted as exceptionally rare (Source [2]). The value of spinel is further enhanced by its historical significance and the fact that it is a natural, mined gemstone with its own distinct mineral composition.
The following table summarizes the key gemological properties of spinel as derived from the provided sources:
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Mineral Class | Oxide |
| Chemical Formula | MgAl₂O₄ (Magnesium Aluminum Oxide) |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 7.5–8 (Source [3]); 8 (Source [2]) |
| Color Range | Red, pink, blue, purple, lavender, green, brown, black, colorless, orange, violet, yellow, white |
| Most Valuable Colors | Red, cobalt blue, pink |
| Coloring Agents | Chromium (red), cobalt (blue), iron and chromium (pink, orange) |
| Primary Sources | Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Africa, USA, Russia, Canada, Vietnam, Japan |
| Birthstone Status | Modern August birthstone (added in 2016) |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond its physical attributes, spinel carries a wealth of symbolic meaning and metaphysical beliefs. It has been revered not only for its beauty but also for the spiritual and emotional benefits it is said to provide.
Spinel is often associated with renewal and rejuvenation. It is considered a stone of hope, representing sheer joy, enthusiasm, and a zeal for life (Source [2]). For individuals seeking to reconnect with their creative selves, spinel is believed to facilitate this process, helping to rekindle passion and self-connection. Its energy is thought to be revitalizing, making it a popular choice for those looking to boost their creativity and find emotional balance.
In terms of physical and mental well-being, spinel is believed to offer several benefits. It is said to increase energy and endurance, combat lethargy and forgetfulness, and help individuals let go of fatigue and negative energy (Source [2]). By energizing the root chakra, spinel is thought to provide a sense of security and promote confidence. Some also believe it brings peace and revitalizes the body.
Spinel’s symbolism extends to its association with specific zodiac signs. While it is the birthstone for August, it is also considered an ideal gemstone for individuals with the zodiac signs Aries, Scorpio, Taurus, and Sagittarius (Source [2]). Furthermore, spinel has become the traditional stone for commemorating the 22nd wedding anniversary, adding to its significance in personal and relational milestones.
Care and Cleaning
Given its durability, spinel is relatively easy to care for, making it a practical gemstone for everyday jewelry. With a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, it is resistant to scratching from most common materials. However, like all gemstones, it requires proper maintenance to preserve its brilliance and longevity.
To clean spinel jewelry, it is recommended to use warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as these may damage the stone or its setting. It is also advisable to store spinel jewelry separately from other gemstones to prevent scratching, even though spinel is relatively hard. Regular cleaning and proper storage will ensure that spinel jewelry remains vibrant and beautiful for years to come.
Due to its durability and attractive color range, spinel is an excellent choice for a variety of jewelry types, including rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Its affordability compared to ruby and sapphire makes it an accessible option for those seeking a high-quality gemstone without the premium price tag.
Conclusion
Spinel is a gemstone that has finally received the recognition it deserves. From its historical misidentification as ruby and sapphire to its modern status as a cherished August birthstone, spinel’s journey is a testament to its enduring appeal. With its impressive hardness, stunning array of colors, and rich symbolic meanings, spinel offers a compelling option for gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology alike.
The gem’s inclusion in the August birthstone list in 2016 has helped elevate its profile, allowing a broader audience to appreciate its unique qualities. Whether valued for its historical significance, its geological origins, or its metaphysical properties, spinel stands as a remarkable gemstone that combines beauty, durability, and depth. As more people discover spinel’s merits, its popularity is sure to continue rising, securing its place in the world of fine gemstones for generations to come.