Red Spinel is a rare and captivating gemstone cherished for its vibrant red color, brilliance, and exceptional clarity. Often mistaken for ruby in historical royal treasures, red spinel has gained recognition as a distinct and highly valuable gemstone in its own right.

Key Characteristics:

1. Color: The finest red spinels exhibit a vivid, intense red that rivals the famed “pigeon’s blood” hue of Burmese rubies. The color can range from orangey-red to purplish-red, with pure red being the most prized.

2. Clarity: High-quality red spinels are typically eye-clean, with exceptional transparency and minimal inclusions, adding to their brilliance.

3. Cut: Red spinels are faceted in a variety of shapes, such as cushion, oval, or round cuts, to maximize their sparkle and showcase their vibrant color.

4. Durability: With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, spinel is durable and suitable for everyday wear.

Sources:

Notable sources of red spinel include:

• Myanmar (Burma): Renowned for producing the most vivid and sought-after red spinels.

• Sri Lanka (Ceylon): Known for fine spinels with slightly softer hues.

• Tajikistan and Vietnam: Producers of high-quality, richly colored red spinels.

• Tanzania: Offers a variety of spinel colors, including vibrant reds.

Symbolism and Uses:

• Red spinel is associated with passion, energy, and vitality. It is also believed to inspire resilience and rejuvenation.

• Historically, red spinel was called the “stone of immortality,” symbolizing everlasting strength and vitality.

Unique Features:

• Misidentification as Ruby: Many historical “rubies,” such as the Black Prince’s Ruby in the British Crown Jewels, have been identified as red spinels.

• Rarity: Natural red spinels, especially those of fine quality, are significantly rarer than rubies, making them highly valuable.

• Luster and Brilliance: Spinel has a high refractive index, giving it remarkable brilliance that rivals other precious stones.

Red spinel is a sophisticated choice for rings, pendants, and earrings, often set in white or yellow gold to enhance its fiery brilliance. Would you like recommendations for purchasing or caring for red spinel jewelry?