Spinel – The Underrated Gemstone
Spinel is one of the world's most fascinating and long-underrated gemstones. Its vibrant colors are created by traces of chromium and iron – yet spinels come in an impressive variety, from brilliant red and pink to rare blue and violet.
Symbolism & Meaning
For centuries, spinel has been considered a stone of vitality, renewal, and inner strength – long mistaken for ruby and equally coveted by kings.
Energy & Renewal: Spinels stand for vitality, endurance, and the ability to reinvent oneself. They are said to dispel exhaustion and bestow new energy.
Protection & Strength: In many cultures, spinel was considered a powerful protective stone – it was believed to shield its wearer from negative influences and impart inner strength.
Royal History: Some of history's most famous "rubies" – including the "Black Prince's Ruby" in the British Crown Jewels – are actually spinels.
Harmony & Balance: Spinel is said to harmonize body and mind and have a balancing effect on exhaustion and stress.
Birthstone: Spinel is an alternative birthstone for the month of August.
Zodiac Sign: Particularly associated with Scorpio and Capricorn.
Basic Characteristics
Spinel is a distinct mineral and one of the most fascinating gemstones – for centuries mistaken for ruby and sapphire, today highly valued as a unique jewel in its own right.
- Mineral Class: Oxides (Spinel Group)
- Crystal System: Cubic
- Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale
- Density: 3.54–3.63 g/cm³
- Refractive Index: 1.712–1.762
- Luster: Vitreous
- Transparency: Transparent to opaque
- Cleavage: None (very tough material, ideal for jewelry)
- Pleochroism: None (cubic system shows no birefringence)
Colors:
- Red (the classic red – often mistaken for ruby)
- Pink & Hot Pink (bright, highly sought after)
- Orange (warm, vibrant hue)
- Violet (cool, elegant tone)
- Blue (rare and particularly valuable)
- Grey & Black (opaque, for special designs)
- Colorless (very rare)
- Color-Change (changes color depending on the light source – extremely rare)
Cut & Shape
Spinels are available in many classic and modern cut shapes:
- Cut: Oval, Round (Brilliant), Cushion, Emerald (Rectangle/Step), Pear, Marquise, Heart, Trillion, Cabochon (domed, uncut), Princess, Radiant, Asscher, Baguette
Inclusions & Characteristics
Spinels are natural gemstones – inclusions are a sign of authenticity and not a defect. Only under the microscope does the true nature of the stone reveal itself.
Typical Inclusions:
- Octahedral crystal inclusions (characteristic of spinel)
- Fingerprint inclusions (healed fractures)
- Needle-like inclusions (create asterism in cabochons)
- Feather inclusions (partially healed fractures)
- Zoning (color banding or zones)
Quality Grades: Eye-clean (no visible inclusions to the naked eye) is considered premium quality. Minor inclusions are normal in natural gemstones and only slightly reduce their value.
Special Feature: Spinels from Burma (Mogok) often display a characteristic intense fluorescence under UV light – a quality feature and proof of authenticity, not a defect.
Treatment & Authenticity
Natural spinels are usually untreated – which makes them particularly valuable and authentic. Transparency in declaration is a matter of course for us.
Thermal Treatment (Heating): Rarely applied to some spinels – spinels usually retain their color naturally and do not require treatment.
Filling with Glass/Resin: For heavily fractured stones – significantly reduces value, not in our range.
Untreated (Natural): The norm for spinels – especially for Mogok spinels from Burma. Natural color without any interventions.
Proof of Authenticity: All our spinels are natural stones. Upon request, we provide certificates from renowned laboratories (GIC, GRS, Gübelin, SSEF). We do not carry synthetic or simulated stones.
Spinel at Phönix Gemstone
We source spinels directly from their countries of origin – for jewelers, goldsmiths, and collectors who value quality and transparency. Each stone is carefully inspected and documented.
Make an Inquiry
Are you looking for a specific spinel for your next project? Contact us – we will put together a personalized selection for you.