Red Spinel is a highly sought-after gemstone, celebrated for its vivid red hues, brilliance, and rarity. Often mistaken for ruby in historical treasures, red spinel is now recognized as a distinct and valuable gem in its own right.

Key Characteristics:

1. Color:

• The most prized red spinels exhibit an intense, vivid crimson or “pigeon’s blood” red, comparable to the finest rubies.

• Red spinels can also display slight undertones of orange or purple, with pure, saturated reds being the most valuable.

2. Clarity:

• High-quality red spinels are typically eye-clean, with excellent transparency and minimal inclusions, enhancing their brilliance and allure.

3. Cut:

• Spinels are often faceted into classic shapes like oval, cushion, round, or emerald cuts to maximize their sparkle.

4. Durability:

• With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, red spinels are durable enough for everyday wear.

Sources:

The finest red spinels come from:

• Myanmar (Burma): Known for producing the most vivid, “pigeon’s blood” red spinels.

• Sri Lanka (Ceylon): Renowned for high-quality spinels in softer, pinkish-red tones.

• Tajikistan and Vietnam: Sources of exceptional deep red and purplish-red spinels.

• Tanzania: Produces a range of spinel colors, including bright reds.

Symbolism and Appeal:

• Passion and Vitality: Red spinel is associated with energy, strength, and revitalization.

• Immortality: Historically called the “stone of immortality,” red spinel symbolizes eternal vitality and protection.

Unique Features:

• Brilliance: Red spinels have a high refractive index, giving them a stunning brilliance comparable to rubies.

• Rarity: Natural red spin