Pure spinel is colorless but impurities are responsible for the wide range of colors. Several of the most spectacular spinels ever discovered have been mounted in crown jewels and other jewelry of significance under the assumption that they were rubies or sapphires. Although spinel has been used in jewelry since ancient times this gemstone has only recently received the attention it deserves. Spinel is not a brittle gemstone therefore it can be faceted in a way to produce the brilliance and fire of a diamond. Spinel mg fe al 2 o 4 is a common mineral in the ca al rich inclusions cais in some chondritic meteorites.
Twinning on 111 is frequent and spinel law penetration or contactgroup types have been recorded. Until recently spinel was an underappreciated gem with little consumer recognition. The ruby and sapphire impostor. Spinel is traditionally found in antique asian jewellery. Spinel is a rare and often flawless gemstone which comes in a wide variety of colors with a durable hardness rating of 8 which is only just behind sapphire ruby and diamond.
Nevertheless these minerals are chemically distinct. Increasing demand for ruby alternatives rekindled appreciation for spinel s rich red color and history. In ancient times southeast asia s mines yielded exceptional large spinel crystals which became the treasured property of kings and emperors often passing through many hands as spoils of war. Along with carnelian holly blue agate emerald bixbite larimar and snowflake obsidian she is the sole individual of her gem type seen in full detail. The most valuable and desirable spinel color is a deep blood red though blue yellow orange pink and purple colors also make fine gemstones.
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A very beautiful cobalt blue spinel has also been found but it is extremely rare. Spinel is the known only gem besides her diamond to have rotated her gemstone s position. Furthermore the gemstone that is known as black prince s ruby and is set on the british state crown is actually a red beautiful spinel. Before the rise of modern gemology in the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries spinel was often identified as corundum as they are often found in the same mines. With all these attributes one wonders how on earth it can be so undervalued and under appreciated.
Natural spinel gemstones introduction. The hardness is 7 5 8 and the. Natural spinel gemstones introduction. A very beautiful cobalt blue spinel has also been found but it is extremely rare. Spinel is the beautiful gemstone that is available in various colors.
The hardness is 7 5 8 and the. Nevertheless these minerals are chemically distinct. Twinning on 111 is frequent and spinel law penetration or contactgroup types have been recorded. Pure spinel is colorless but impurities are responsible for the wide range of colors.
