THE PREMIER MARKETPLACE FOR REAL GEMS
Steve Thomas
Steve Thomas

Published at 8th May 2018

Modified at 22nd Aug 2023

Blue Spinel Meaning: The Rarest Of Them All

Blue Spinel extremely rare cobalt blueBlue Spinel is a very special gemstone because it is one of the few blue stones that occur naturally. While all Spinels are increasing in popularity, it is the blue variety that is starting to attract attention of savvy gemstone buyers. Unlike the other blue gemstones such as Sapphire, Tanzanite and Aquamarine, there is no known treatments for Spinel. This means that every Spinel is completely natural and free from any modifications by man.

Spinel for many years has gone unnoticed as a gemstone if great durability and intense color. In recent years the famous red and vivid pink Spinels from Mahenge, Tanzania and Burma have had all of the glory of the beauty of Spinel. Now people are starting to notice the more pastel colors including the beautiful blue Spinel.

What Causes The Color In Blue Spinel?

The blue Spinel is colored from the impurity of Cobalt in the crystal lattice. These stones are commonly referred to as Cobalt Blue Spinel. In many locations such as Sri Lanka, the Spinel will have a high iron content which tends to make the stones darker. This makes the stones look blue-gray to violet-blue in color instead of just the pure blue.

Blue Spinel The Rarest Of Them AllBlue Spinel Meaning

Blue spinel is a gemstone renowned for its captivating beauty and allure. As a precious gem, blue spinel is treasured for its rich, deep blue hue reminiscent of a clear summer sky or the vast ocean. The mesmerizing color of blue spinel is often associated with qualities such as wisdom, truth, and intuition, evoking a sense of calm and inner peace. Historically, blue spinel has been mistaken for other blue gemstones, but its uniqueness and rarity have gradually gained recognition in the world of jewelry and gemology. As a symbol of sincerity and sincerity, blue spinel is believed to enhance communication and foster harmony in relationships. Whether adorning a piece of exquisite jewelry or serving as an ornamental gem, the alluring blue spinel continues to captivate hearts and minds, carrying with it the profound meanings attributed to its magnificent color and brilliance.

Dark Blue Spinel Viewing

If the blue Spinel has a high iron content and looks dark in color, it is best viewed in daylight (Specifically sky light where the sun comes from over your shoulder and you cast a shadow over the stone). This will bring out the bright sparkles of blue color in the blue Spinel.

Inside these stones tend to be dark and less lively than outside.

Blue Spinel The Rarest Of Them All

Blue Spinel Value

Like all Spinel these stones should be eye clean and free from inclusions. If the stone has visible flaws it will reduce the price.

The more vibrant the color the higher the price will be. High saturation in color with a medium tone are the most expensive type of blue Spinel. These are always colored by Cobalt and are extremely rare to find.

Blue Spinel Reaction Under Chelsea Filter

The Chelsea Filter is a tool that shows traces of Chromium and Cobalt. When a natural Cobalt blue Spinel is viewed through the Chelsea filter it appears a bright red color. Spinel that does not contain Cobalt will not turn red.

Chelsea Filter is a great way to detect Cobalt

Blue Spinel VS Sapphire

With modern gemological tools we can easily distinguish between Blue Spinel and Blue Sapphire. However hundreds of years ago when Spinel was found together with Sapphire and Ruby it was impossible to tell them apart. There is no telling how many Spinels have actually been sold as Sapphire.

SHOP FOR SPINEL


3 people found this article helpful

Was this article helpful?

Share this article:

Search the Gemstone Encyclopedia

Related Articles

Azotic Treatment Of Quartz And Topaz

Azotic treatment of Topaz and Quartz is a treatment that creates a layer of color over a gemstone. Learn more about this treatment and check out our stones fro sale.

8th May 2018

Types of Quartz with Pictures: Natural & Synthetic Varieties

There are dozens of quartz and chalcedony gems with various colors and patterns. Learn all about quartz properties and every type of quartz, from amethyst and agate to plasma and phantom quartz!

15th Oct 2020

How To Buy Gems On The Internet

Let us explain how to buy gems on the internet. We have the largest range of gemstones on the internet and it can be a little overwhelming at first. Let us help you with some useful tips.

3rd Oct 2018

Latest Articles

Friedelite Gemstone: Properties, Meanings, Value & More

Friedelite is an uncommon pink, red, or brown manganese silicate mineral best known from New Jersey and South Africa. Learn the prices, properties, uses, and history of friedelite gemstones.

23rd Dec 2024

Shortite Gemstone: Properties, Meanings, Value & More

Shortite is a rare mineral and rarer gemstone, usually found as colorless or yellow wedge-shaped crystals. Learn the value, history, and properties of shortite in this guide!

9th Dec 2024

Senarmontite Gemstone: Properties, Meanings, Value & More

Senarmontite is an uncommon antimony mineral mostly used industrially but occasionally collected as rare gems or pearly crystals. Find out all of the traits, uses, prices, and history of senarmontite.

27th Nov 2024

Article Categories

News

News and events on Gem Rock Auctions

48 Articles

A-Z Of Gemstones

A-Z Of Gemstones

391 Articles

Technical Information on Gemstones

Technical Information on Gemstones

30 Articles

How To's

How To's is where you will find helpful articles from gem Rock Auctions on how to cut gemstones, select gemstones and buy gemstones.

9 Articles

Did You Know?

Did You Know?

78 Articles

Additional Gemstone Information

Additional Gemstone Information

59 Articles

Holistic Gemstone Information

Holistic Gemstone Information

34 Articles

Gem Rock Auctions Verified Sellers

Gem Rock Auctions Verified Sellers

3 Articles

Drawing Design Awards

Drawing Design Awards

2 Articles