Spinel | Multi-colors

Spinel — The Chameleon of the Gem World

A backyard summer berry harvest glistens in the afternoon light, threatening to burst with joy. Its bountiful reds, pinks, purples, and smoky greys are mirrored in the earth-ripened facets of spinel. One of history’s most elusive gemstones, spinel’s tantalizing colors were long mistaken for rubies, sapphires, and amethysts in aristocratic collections. A lineage of plunder, trade, and secrecy shadows these now-priceless heirlooms. At last recognized and honored in its own pedigree, spinel’s natural reds, pinks, purples, and occasional blues — combined with remarkable brilliance and clarity — earn it a place near the top of the gemstone hierarchy.

Mineralogy and Color

Spinel (MgAl₂O₄) is the magnesium- and aluminum-rich member of the larger spinel mineral group. Its colorless base transforms into a vivid spectrum thanks to trace elements:

• Chromium creates vibrant reds and pinks.

• Iron produces purples, greys, and oranges.

• Cobalt yields rare, vivid blues.

Spinel may also display optical phenomena such as asterism (star spinel) or color change. Stones over two carats are uncommon, and those exceeding five carats are particularly rare.

History and Provenance

Found on almost every continent, spinel often occurs alongside corundum in gem-bearing gravels — adding to centuries of misidentification.

• Historic name: “Balas ruby,” from Balascia, the medieval name for the Badakhshan region in northern Afghanistan.

• Historic sources: Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar (Burma).

• Modern sources: Tajikistan, Vietnam, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Madagascar.

One of the most famous examples, the Black Prince’s Ruby in the British Crown Jewels, was fought over for centuries under the belief it was a ruby — only later to be revealed as an extraordinary spinel.

Durability and Uses

• Mohs hardness: 7.5 – 8.0 — excellent for jewelry.

• Birthstone: Added in 2016 as an August birthstone.

• Zodiac: Associated with Taurus, Libra, and Pisces.

• Treatment: Typically untreated; lab-created spinel exists and is used both in jewelry and industrial applications.

Natural spinel from the earth is prized for its rarity and pure, harmonious colors.

Current Market Trends

Red and pink spinels have always been in strong demand, but recent years have seen a surge in popularity for grey spinels. These subtle yet sophisticated stones are sourced from Myanmar, Tanzania, and Madagascar, and are increasingly sought after by modern designers.