It looks like youâ€TMre asking about spinel gemstone rather than “spinal.†Spinel is a beautiful and rare gemstone that has often been mistaken for ruby or sapphire throughout history. Hereâ€TMs a detailed description:

Spinel Gemstone Description

Spinel is a precious gemstone composed of magnesium aluminum oxide (MgAlâ‚‚Oâ‚„). It forms in octahedral crystals and is admired for its rich colors, brilliance, and durability. Natural spinel is often found in the same locations as rubies and sapphires, leading to centuries of mistaken identity.

Key Characteristics of Spinel

• Color:

• Found in red, pink, orange, blue, violet, purple, and black.

• Red spinel is the most valuable and resembles ruby.

• Blue spinel (especially cobalt spinel) can be as striking as sapphire.

• Hardness: 7.5 – 8 on the Mohs scale (durable, but softer than sapphire and ruby).

• Luster: Vitreous (glassy) and highly reflective.

• Clarity: Usually eye-clean, meaning it has minimal visible inclusions.

• Refractive Index: 1.71 – 1.76, giving it excellent brilliance.

• Formation: Found in metamorphic and alluvial deposits, often alongside corundum (ruby and sapphire).

• Sources:

• Myanmar (Burma) – Produces some of the finest red spinels.

• Sri Lanka – Known for various spinel colors.

• Tanzania, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Madagascar – Important sources of high-quality spinel.

Historical Significance

Many famous “rubies†in royal collections are actually red spinel due to its similar appearance. Some famous examples include:

• The Black Princeâ€TMs Ruby – A large red spinel in the British Imperial State Crown.

• The Timur Ruby – A treasured spinel once owned by Mughal emperors.

Spinel vs. Other Gemstones

• Spinel vs. Ruby – Both can be deep red, but spinel has a slightly different glow and lacks rubyâ€TMs strong fluorescence.

• Spinel vs. Sapphire – Blue spinel can resemble blue sapphire, but sapphire is harder and has a higher refractive index.

Value and Uses

• Used in high-end jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and royal regalia.

• More affordable than ruby and sapphire, yet equally beautiful.

• Rarely treated or enhanced, making natural spinel highly desirable.

• Recognized as one of the birthstones for August, alongside peridot and sardonyx.

Would you like a comparison between spinel and another gemstone, such as ruby or sapphire?