About Spinel

Spinel is a mineral that belongs to the group of oxides and is widely recognized for its attractive and vibrant colors, durability, and affordability. The mineral is composed of magnesium aluminum oxide and occurs in various shades of red, pink, blue, violet, yellow, green, and black. Some of the most popular spinel colors are red, pink, and blue, which are often referred to as "spinels of the rainbow."

One of the most notable features of spinel is its hardness, which makes it a popular choice for use in jewelry. It has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, which is only slightly less than that of a diamond, making it a durable and long-lasting gemstone. In addition, spinel is also very resistant to scratching and chipping, which makes it ideal for use in rings and other types of jewelry that are subjected to daily wear and tear.

Another appealing aspect of spinel is its affordability compared to other precious gemstones. Despite its beauty and durability, spinel is much less expensive than diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, making it an attractive option for those who are looking for a high-quality gemstone that is both beautiful and budget-friendly.

In terms of its history, spinel has been used as a gemstone for thousands of years, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient civilizations in the Middle East and Asia. During the Middle Ages, spinel was often mistaken for rubies and was used as a substitute in jewelry and other decorative items. It wasn't until the 19th century that spinel was finally recognized as a separate mineral species, and its popularity as a gemstone has continued to grow since then.

Famous Spinel

One of the most famous spinels in history is the "Black Prince's Ruby," a large, deep red spinel that is set into the British Imperial State Crown. This gem is said to have been acquired by King Edward the Black Prince in the 14th century during a battle in Spain, and it has been a part of the British royal collection ever since.

Another famous spinel is the "Timur Ruby," a large, deep red spinel that is said to have been owned by the Mongol conqueror Timur in the 14th century. This gem was later acquired by the Mughal emperors of India, who added it to their collection of precious gems and used it as a talisman to bring good luck and prosperity.

The "Spinel of the Crown of Portugal" is another notable spinel that is steeped in history and tradition. This deep red spinel was once part of the Portuguese royal collection and was used as a talisman to protect the country from harm.

There are also several other notable spinels that are prized for their beauty and historical significance, including the "Pink Spinel of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III," the "Violet Spinel of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh," and the "Green Spinel of the Maharaja of Jaipur." These gems and others like them continue to captivate and inspire us with their beauty and rich history.

Price

The price of spinels can vary greatly, depending on a number of factors, including size, color, clarity, and rarity. Here is a general guide to the prices of spinels, from low to high:

1. Low-quality spinels - These spinels are typically small in size, have a low level of transparency, and may be included with cracks or inclusions. Prices for these spinels can range from as low as $10 to $50 per carat.

2. Mid-quality spinels - These spinels are larger in size, have a moderate level of transparency, and may have some inclusions. Prices for these spinels can range from $50 to $200 per carat.

3. High-quality spinels - These spinels are large and transparent, with few or no inclusions. Prices for these spinels can range from $200 to $500 per carat.

4. Rare and exceptional spinels - These spinels are extremely rare, with a high level of transparency and unique or highly sought-after colors, such as deep red, blue, and violet. Prices for these spinels can range from $500 to $10,000 or more per carat.

It's important to note that these prices are just a general guide and can vary greatly depending on the specific characteristics of the spinel in question. The price of spinels can also fluctuate based on factors such as supply and demand, as well as broader economic trends.

For example, a 1-carat, high-quality red spinel might sell for $300 to $500 per carat, while a rare and exceptional red spinel of the same size could sell for $10,000 or more per carat. The price of a blue spinel, which is rarer than a red spinel, could be even higher.

SYNTHESIS AND IMITATION Spinel

Synthetic spinels are spinels that are created in a laboratory using chemical processes that mimic the conditions under which natural spinels are formed. Synthetic spinels have the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural spinels, but are created under controlled conditions in a laboratory. Synthetic spinels can be made in a variety of colors and sizes and are often used in jewelry, fashion, and other applications where affordability and consistency are important.

Imitation spinels, on the other hand, are spinels that are made using man-made materials, such as glass or plastic, that are designed to resemble natural spinels. Imitation spinels are often used in costume jewelry, fashion accessories, and other applications where affordability and durability are important, but authenticity and rarity are not a concern.

One advantage of synthetic and imitation spinels is that they are often much more affordable than natural spinels, making them an accessible option for those who are on a budget. Synthetic and imitation spinels can also be produced in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, allowing for greater creativity and flexibility in design.

However, synthetic and imitation spinels are not as valuable as natural spinels, and do not have the same level of authenticity, rarity, and historical significance as natural spinels. Additionally, synthetic and imitation spinels may not have the same durability and scratch resistance as natural spinels, making them less suitable for certain applications, such as high-wear jewelry.

Inclusions

Spinel inclusions are imperfections within a spinel crystal that can affect the clarity and overall appearance of the stone. Inclusions can take many forms, including bubbles, cracks, fractures, and mineral deposits, and can be either visible or invisible to the naked eye. The presence of inclusions can affect the value of a spinel, as well as its durability and stability over time.

Spinel inclusions can occur during the formation of the crystal or as a result of post-formation processes, such as exposure to heat, pressure, or chemical treatments. Some common types of spinel inclusions include:

1. Gas Bubbles - Gas bubbles are pockets of air that are trapped within the spinel crystal. Gas bubbles can be either round or irregular in shape, and can affect the clarity and transparency of the stone.

2. Fractures and Cracks - Fractures and cracks are linear imperfections within the spinel crystal that can affect the durability and stability of the stone. Fractures and cracks can occur as a result of physical or thermal stress, and can reduce the overall value of the stone.

3. Mineral Deposits - Mineral deposits are minerals that have been deposited within the spinel crystal, either during its formation or as a result of environmental exposure. Mineral deposits can affect the clarity and appearance of the stone, and can reduce its value.

4. Needles - Needles are thin, elongated inclusions that are formed within the spinel crystal, and can affect its transparency and clarity. Needles can be visible to the naked eye and can reduce the overall value of the stone.

Rough Spinels

Rough spinel refers to the uncut, unpolished form of the spinel gemstone as it is found in its natural state. The shape of rough spinel can vary greatly depending on the conditions under which it was formed and the location of the deposit. Some common shapes of rough spinel include:

1. Octahedrons - Octahedrons are eight-sided crystals that have a uniform shape and are often found in metamorphic rocks.

2. Dodecahedrons - Dodecahedrons are twelve-sided crystals that are often found in metamorphic rocks and can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes.

3. Cubes - Cubes are six-sided crystals that are often found in metamorphic rocks and can range in size from small to large.

4. Twins - Twins are two crystals that have grown together in a specific pattern, and are often found in metamorphic rocks.

5. Crystals with a triangular or rhombic shape - These crystals are found in metamorphic rocks and can have a variety of shapes, including triangular, rhombic, and trapezoidal.