Spinel properties

Spinel, often mistaken for ruby, is an exceptionally beautiful gemstone. Primarily used in jewelry, it has long been underestimated and misunderstood. For centuries, it has managed to deceive even the greatest experts, passing itself off as a ruby. Today, it is time to recognize its true value and celebrate its unique beauty.

Spinel gets its name from the Latin "Spina," meaning "thorn," referring to the sharp shape of its crystals. Some believe its name comes from the Greek "Spinos," meaning "spark," evoking the brilliance and luminosity of this precious stone.

Spinel is a fascinating mineral that forms under a variety of geological conditions. It is often found in metamorphic limestone rocks, such as marble, where it forms from the transformation of pre-existing minerals under the influence of heat and pressure. It can also form in igneous rocks, such as granite, where it crystallizes from molten magma. Additionally, spinel has been discovered in lunar rocks and even in meteorites, indicating its presence in extraterrestrial environments.

Spinel is a mineral composed of aluminum and magnesium oxide, but its color varies depending on the impurities present in its crystalline structure. The presence of iron, chromium, cobalt, or vanadium can give it shades ranging from white to yellow, light blue to dark blue, violet blue to red, crimson red to orange, and even black. This diversity of colors makes it a highly prized gemstone in jewelry.
Spinel was first scientifically described in 1546 by Georg Bauer, a prominent German mineralogist and metallurgist, better known as Georgius Agricola. Agricola is often considered the father of modern mineralogy, and his work laid the foundation for the science of minerals and geology. His discovery and description of spinel have contributed to expanding our understanding of minerals and their formation.

Spinel is known by several names, reflecting its diversity of colors and forms. For example, black spinel is sometimes called "akerite" or "candite," while small red varieties may be referred to as "rubace" or "rubacelle." Dark red spinels are sometimes called "broom rubies," while light red spinels are called "rubicelle." Finally, spinelite is a variety of spinel that is often used in jewelry for its beauty and rarity.

Spinel can be synthesized in the laboratory, where it can be produced in colorless or colored forms. Colored synthetic varieties are often designated by specific names, such as "rozircon" for pink spinel or "white sapphire" (although this term is now banned due to its confusion with natural sapphire). Another synthetic variety of spinel is "strongite," which is often used as an economical alternative to natural spinels in jewelry.

Stories, legends and beliefs about the spinel

Spinel, due to its similar characteristics to rubies and sapphires, has often been confused with these gemstones, sometimes intentionally to deceive, sometimes by mistake. As a result, it has often been used in place of rubies or sapphires in royal or ecclesiastical pieces, contributing to its confusion and lack of mention in historical texts. Despite its beauty and value, spinel has been overshadowed by rubies and sapphires in historical accounts, but its importance in the history of jewelry and gemology cannot be ignored.

Spinel was well identified in ancient India, where it was known as the "Red Diamond." It was considered a symbol of courage and strength, and was often worn by warriors of the Kshatriya caste, who were tasked with protecting society and upholding justice.
Red spinel was also associated with protection against diseases and evil spirits, and was often worn as a talisman to ensure safety and prosperity.

The Romans, in their classification of red gems, used the term "carbunculus" to refer to all these precious stones. They attributed similar virtues to these gems, considering them talismans of courage and protection against injuries. They also believed that these stones could be used as remedies for hemorrhages, thus reinforcing their reputation as stones with medicinal powers.

Since medieval times, particularly between 1000 and 1900, the region of Afghanistan, then known as Balascia (now Badakhshan), has become the most renowned and important source of "Rubies." This spinel, with its deep red color, equivalent to the finest rubies, is known as "Broom Ruby." Marco Polo referred to this region during his travels and described the spinel mines. Most of the jewels that adorn objects since medieval times come from there.

Spinel was already known as a magnetic stone in the 11th century, possessing fascinating magnetic properties. Mariners of the time used this stone to magnetize the needles of their compasses, allowing them to navigate accurately across vast oceans. This ingenious use of spinel demonstrates its value not only as a precious gem but also as an essential tool for maritime.

The most beautiful “Ruby” spinel

Here is a non-exhaustive list of the most beautiful examples of spinel that have deceived their world for centuries. These spinels have been mistaken for rubies or sapphires due to their exceptional color and brilliance, and have been used in royal and ecclesiastical jewelry, contributing to their mystery and fame.

The most famous spinel is undoubtedly the intense red one that adorns the crown of Catherine II of Russia. This spinel, of an impressive size of over 400 carats, is a symbol of the wealth and power of the Russian Empire. It is now preserved in the Kremlin treasury, where it continues to fascinate visitors with its beauty and history.

The Black Prince’s ruby is actually a spinel from the Crown of England, weighing 170 carats and measuring 5 cm long. Likely a spinel from Badakhshan, the first mention of it is found in Spain in the 14th century. Spain was then divided into several small warring kingdoms. It was probably in the hands of the Moorish prince Mohammed of Granada, deposed by his brother-in-law Abus Said. Don Pedro the Cruel of Seville entered the conflict and seized the large ruby in 1366, after eliminating Abus Said. Don Pedro fled to Bordeaux to escape his brother Henry in 1366. He sought the protection of the Black Prince in exchange for a great treasure. Defeating Henry, the Black Prince acquired the famous ruby in 1367.
The jewel reappeared in 1415 in the hands of the King of England, Henry V. He wore it on the crown adorning his helmet during the Battle of Azincourt against the Duke of Alençon.
The Ruby passed through the hands of many kings of England and is now on the Imperial Crown, above the Cullinan II diamond.

One of the oldest documented cases of confusion between spinel and ruby is that of the Timur Ruby, also known as the Timurid Ruby. This jewel, an impressive size of 361 carats, was seized in India by the famous conqueror Tamerlane in 1398, among a set of jewels.
Over time, it passed into the treasure of the Indian emperor Shah Jahan, who is notably known for building the Taj Mahal. The Timur Ruby was used as a decoration on his throne.
In 1851, Queen Elizabeth received this jewel as a gift from the East India Company. It then entered the royal treasury of England, where it was set in a necklace. It was only many years later, thanks to advances in gemology, that it was identified as one of the largest known red spinels.

The Samarian Spinel is reputed to be the largest and most beautiful of the top-quality spinels on the planet. With an estimated weight of around 500 carats, this deep red gemstone is a true treasure. It is considered one of the most precious jewels of the Iranian crown, bearing witness to the wealth and splendor of Iran’s history.

The Brittany Coast Spinel is an exceptional jewel that is part of the royal treasury of France, exhibited at the Louvre Museum. It has a fascinating history, having belonged to Marguerite de Fois (+1486), princess of Navarre and duchess of Brittany. She bequeathed it to her daughter, Anne de Bretagne, and it thus entered the treasury of François I. Later, it was cut into the shape of a dragon to form the insignia of the Golden Fleece of Louis XV, adding a new dimension to its history and significance.

Mines: Afghanistan, Burma, Thailand, Canada, Japan, Russia, Myanmar, the USA, Tadjikistan, France, Vietnam.

Healing properties and benefits of the spinel

Spinel is a gemstone that, according to lithotherapy, possesses several beneficial properties for physical and emotional well-being.

• It is said that spinel has calming effects on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
• It is believed to promote the body’s recovery after illness or injury by helping to restore energy balance.
• Some also believe that spinel may be beneficial for the treatment of infertility.
• Spinel is known for restoring energy and helping to fight fatigue, making it a cherished gemstone for its revitalizing potential.

Healing properties and benefits of the blue spinel

Blue spinel is a gemstone that, according to lithotherapy, possesses several beneficial properties for physical and emotional well-being.

• It is said that blue spinel can help calm libido and relieve symptoms of schizophrenia, promoting emotional and mental balance.
• It is believed to balance body temperature, thereby helping to maintain optimal thermal regulation.
• Some also believe that blue spinel can protect vision and prevent problems related to the hypothalamus and thyroid.
• It is said that blue spinel can protect vision by strengthening the eyes and improving vision.
• This stone is also believed to promote mental clarity and concentration.
• Blue spinel is renowned for its purification and protection properties, making it a cherished gemstone for its multiple benefits.

 

Spinel jewelry samples