Spinel properties

Spinel, often mistaken for ruby, is a gemstone of exceptional beauty. Primarily used in jewelry, it has long been undervalued and misunderstood. For centuries, even the most renowned experts were deceived by its intense red hue and vitreous luster, leading it to be misidentified as ruby. Today, it is time to recognize its true value and celebrate its unique allure.

The name spinel originates from the Latin spina, meaning "thorn," in reference to the pointed shape of its crystals. Some believe it derives from the Greek spinos, meaning "spark," highlighting the brilliance and luminosity of this precious stone. Spinel belongs to the oxide group and crystallizes in the cubic system, often resulting in well-formed and symmetrical structures. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, it is relatively scratch-resistant and well-suited for jewelry.

Spinel is a fascinating mineral that forms under a variety of geological conditions. It is primarily found in metamorphic carbonate rocks, such as marble, where it results from the transformation of aluminum-rich minerals under heat and pressure. Often associated with other gemstones like corundum (ruby and sapphire), spinel can also be discovered in alluvial deposits where erosion has freed the crystals from their original rock matrix. Additionally, spinel can form in igneous environments, particularly in some pegmatites and peridotites, where it crystallizes from magma. Remarkably, traces of spinel have been identified in meteorites and lunar samples brought back by Apollo missions, attesting to its presence in extraterrestrial environments.

Chemically, spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide (MgAl₂O₄), but it can contain substitutions of elements such as iron, chromium, cobalt, or vanadium. These impurities directly influence its color, creating a wide chromatic range:

• Red, pink, crimson: Due to chromium, these shades have often led to confusion with ruby.
• Light to dark blue: Caused by the presence of iron and sometimes cobalt.
• Purple and violet: Resulting from a mix of iron and chromium.
• Orange and yellow: Caused by a combination of iron and manganese oxides.
• Black: Generally due to a high concentration of iron, giving it an opaque appearance.

Spinel was first scientifically described in 1546 by Georg Bauer, a prominent German mineralogist and metallurgist, better known as Georgius Agricola. Often considered the father of modern mineralogy, his work laid the foundation for the study of minerals and geology. His description of spinel contributed to a better understanding of mineralogical diversity. However, it was not until the 18th century that spinel was definitively distinguished from corundum, thanks to advancements in chemical analysis.

Spinel is known by several names, reflecting its variety of colors and forms:

• Black spinel: Sometimes called akerite, candite, pleonaste, or ceylonite, it is valued in both jewelry and crystal healing.
• Dark red spinel: Historically referred to as rubacelle, rubace, or balas ruby, though it is not a true ruby.
• Light red spinel: Known as rubicelle.
• Colorless or lightly tinted varieties: Sometimes designated as spinelite.

Since the late 19th century, spinel has been synthesized in laboratories. It is produced in colorless or colored varieties through processes such as flame fusion or the Verneuil method. Synthetic spinels are sometimes used in jewelry as alternatives to natural gems. Some synthetic varieties are marketed under specific names, such as rozircon for pink spinel or white sapphire (a term now prohibited due to its misleading nature) for translucent spinel. Blue-tinted synthetic spinels are also sold as sapphire imitations. However, these trade names, like strongite, are now regulated to prevent confusion with natural stones.

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

Stories, legends and beliefs about the spinel

Spinel, due to its similarities to ruby and sapphire, has often been mistaken for these precious stones—sometimes intentionally to deceive, sometimes by genuine error. As a result, it was frequently used in place of ruby or sapphire in royal and ecclesiastical artifacts, further contributing to the confusion and its absence from historical texts. Despite its beauty and value, spinel was overshadowed by ruby and sapphire in historical accounts, yet its significance in the history of jewelry and gemology cannot be ignored.

The confusion between spinel and ruby persisted until the 18th century, when modern gemology made it possible to distinguish the two minerals based on their chemical composition and crystal structure. Unlike ruby, which is a pure aluminum oxide containing chromium, spinel is a mixed magnesium and aluminum oxide. It was only with the development of scientific analytical methods, such as spectroscopy and the study of refractive indices, that the distinction was clearly established.

Spinel was well recognized 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 responsible for protecting society and upholding justice. Red spinel was also associated with protection against disease and malevolent spirits and was frequently worn as a talisman to ensure safety and prosperity.

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

From the medieval period, particularly between 1000 and 1900, the region of Afghanistan then known as Balascia (modern-day Badakhshan) became the most renowned and important source of "rubies." This deep red spinel, comparable to the finest rubies, is known as "Balas ruby." Marco Polo referred to this region during his travels and described the spinel mines. Many of the gems adorning artifacts from the medieval era originate from these mines.
The Badakhshan mines were so highly esteemed that the spinels they produced were exclusively reserved for Mughal and Persian rulers. It was common for these stones to be engraved with Persian inscriptions detailing their owner or significance. These gemstones were also offered as diplomatic gifts, strengthening alliances between kingdoms.

Spinel was also highly valued in China, particularly under the Ming and Qing dynasties. Some emperors regarded it as a symbol of power and prosperity, using it to adorn their crowns and insignias. In Central Asia and the Ottoman Empire, spinels were often set into the hilts and scabbards of sultans’ swords, granting them both protective and honorary functions.

In certain ancient astrological traditions, red spinel was associated with Mars due to its color and its connection to strength and combativeness. It was believed to be a stone that conferred courage and endurance to warriors and was also thought to have regenerative powers for physical and psychological recovery after battles.

Spinel was already known by the 11th century as a magnetic stone, possessing intriguing magnetic properties. However, this characteristic depends heavily on the iron content in its composition. Some iron-rich spinels exhibit slight magnetic responses, but they are not as powerful as magnetite. The idea that spinel was used to magnetize compass needles should be taken with caution, as sailors primarily relied on magnetite for this purpose. However, in certain cultures, it was believed that spinel could aid in navigation and decision-making, further reinforcing its symbolic association with explorers and travelers.

The most beautiful “Ruby” spinel

Here is a non-exhaustive list of the most remarkable spinel gemstones that have deceived people for centuries. These spinels were mistaken for rubies or sapphires due to their exceptional color and brilliance. They adorned the crowns and treasures of many dynasties, becoming emblematic jewels in the history of great civilizations.

The most famous spinel is undoubtedly the one that adorns the crown of Catherine II of Russia. This intense red spinel, weighing over 400 carats, was acquired by the empress in the 18th century and became a symbol of Russian imperial power. Likely of Afghan origin, this jewel was incorporated into the tsarist treasure and is now preserved in the Kremlin, where it remains one of the most admired pieces of the Russian royal collection.

The Black Prince’s Ruby, set in the British Imperial State Crown, is actually a 170-carat, 5 cm-long spinel. This deep red gemstone is most likely a Balas ruby from Badakhshan, a region in northern Afghanistan renowned for its high-quality spinels.
The first recorded mention of the Black Prince’s Ruby dates back to the 14th century in Spain, then divided into warring kingdoms. It is believed to have belonged to Muhammad IX of Granada before falling into the hands of Abu Said, a Muslim ruler of the region. In 1366, Pedro I of Castile, known as "the Cruel," seized the stone after betraying and assassinating Abu Said.
Forced to flee from his brother Henry of Trastámara, Pedro sought refuge in Bordeaux in 1366, where he requested the protection of the Black Prince, Edward of Woodstock, son of King Edward III of England. In exchange for military support, Pedro gifted him a vast treasure, including the spinel.
The gemstone reappeared in 1415 on the battlefield of Agincourt, set into the helmet of King Henry V of England. It was reportedly struck directly by the sword of the Duke of Alençon but remained undamaged. The spinel then passed through the hands of numerous British monarchs and is now set above the Cullinan II diamond in the British Imperial State Crown, on display at the Tower of London.

Another famous case of mistaken identity between spinel and ruby is the Timur Ruby, also known as the Tamerlane Ruby, a 361-carat spinel.
This gemstone likely originated from the Badakhshan mines and was seized in 1398 by the conqueror Tamerlane following his invasion of India. It was part of an immense war booty that included other legendary jewels.
The spinel later passed into the hands of the Mughal emperors, including Shah Jahan, the famed builder of the Taj Mahal. It was mounted on his throne alongside other precious gemstones.
In 1851, during British colonization of India, the East India Company presented this jewel to Queen Victoria. It was then incorporated into the British royal treasury, where it now adorns a necklace. It was only with the advancement of modern gemology that this stone was identified as a spinel.

The Samarian Spinel is the largest known spinel, with an estimated weight of around 500 carats.
This gemstone is part of the Iranian Crown Jewels and is one of the most impressive jewels in the world. Its exact history remains uncertain, but it is believed to have been acquired during the Persian king Nader Shah's conquest of India in the 18th century, after the sacking of Delhi in 1739. Today, it is displayed at the National Jewelry Museum in Tehran, where it stands as a testament to Iran’s rich heritage.

The Côte-de-Bretagne Spinel is an iconic gem of the French royal treasury.
Its history dates back to Marguerite de Foix (†1486), Duchess of Brittany, who passed it down to her daughter Anne of Brittany. It later came into the possession of King Francis I and was preserved among the French Crown Jewels.
In the 18th century, it was carved into the shape of a dragon, a symbolic choice that reinforced its association with royal power and the Order of the Golden Fleece. It was subsequently integrated into the royal insignia under King Louis XV.
Today, the Côte-de-Bretagne is displayed at the Louvre Museum, where it remains one of the most admired jewels of French heritage.

The Queen of Spain’s Ruby is part of the Spanish crown jewels. It was likely acquired by Spanish monarchs at an uncertain date, possibly during Spain's rule over the New World and Asia. Unlike other famous spinels, it has never been removed from the Spanish royal treasury and remains within the royal collections today.

St. Edward’s Crown, used for the coronation of British monarchs, contains several precious stones, including a spinel. While not as famous as the Black Prince’s Ruby, it attests to the frequent use of spinel in royal jewelry before the rise of modern gemology.

Apart from the spinel in Catherine II’s crown, another impressive spinel is part of the Russian imperial treasury. It is said to have been gifted by a Persian merchant to Emperor Paul I of Russia at the end of the 18th century. Its exact weight and origin remain uncertain, but it highlights the tsars' appreciation for this gemstone.

The Mughal Empire possessed several remarkable spinels, often engraved with Quranic verses or inscriptions in Persian. These stones are now dispersed across various private collections and museums, particularly in India and Iran. One of the most famous, known as the "Mughal Engraved Spinel," bears an inscription dating back to the reign of Jahangir (1605–1627) and weighs over 200 carats.

A large red spinel is also found in the crown of the Kings of Bavaria, housed in the Treasury of the Munich Residenz. Like many others, it was initially identified as a ruby before being correctly recognized as a spinel in the 20th century.

The most beautiful “sapphire” spinel

Although blue spinels are less famous than their red counterparts, their rarity and brilliance have made them highly valuable gemstones. They have often been mistaken for sapphires due to their hue, but their distinct crystal structure and chemical composition set them apart from true sapphires.

The Grand Blue Spinel of Russia is an exceptionally large gemstone that is part of the Russian imperial treasure and was long considered a sapphire. This gem likely originates from the mines of Sri Lanka or Tajikistan. It was incorporated into the tsars' collection and displayed alongside other precious stones in the Kremlin.

Several blue spinels adorn the Iranian crown jewels, known as the blue spinels of the Persian crown. These stones, sourced from the mines of Badakhshan or Sri Lanka, were mistaken for sapphires for centuries before being correctly identified in the 20th century through advancements in gemology.

The Mughal emperors owned impressive red and blue spinels, some engraved with Quranic verses or royal names. Some of these blue spinels were confused with sapphires and are still found today in private and museum collections.

During the Renaissance and up until the 19th century, many European jewels incorporated blue spinels under the assumption that they were sapphires. As a result, brooches, pendants, and crowns have since been reevaluated, revealing that they contain spinels rather than sapphires.

Healing properties and benefits of the spinel

Spinel is a precious gemstone that, according to lithotherapy, possesses several beneficial properties for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is often regarded as a stone of revitalization, promoting inner strength, energy, and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

• Spinel is said to have a soothing effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional tension.
• It supports the body's recovery after illness or exhaustion by restoring energetic balance and stimulating cellular regeneration.
• Spinel is known for boosting energy levels and combating chronic fatigue, making it a favored gemstone for those in need of renewed vitality.
• Some believe it may also support blood circulation and strengthen the cardiovascular system.
• Spinel is thought to be beneficial in the treatment of infertility.
• It is often associated with protection against negative energies and harmful external influences, acting as an energetic shield.

Red spinel virtues

• Red spinel is associated with the root chakra, promoting grounding, vitality, and self-confidence.
• It is known for stimulating blood circulation and enhancing physical endurance.
• It can be used to strengthen willpower and motivation, helping to overcome periods of discouragement.
• This stone is often linked to passion, courage, and protection against negative influences.

 

Healing properties and benefits of the blue spinel

• Blue spinel is linked to the throat and third eye chakras, promoting communication, intuition, and mental clarity.
• It is said to calm excessive emotions, bring serenity, and improve concentration.
• It may be beneficial for balancing body temperature and supporting better hormonal regulation, particularly in the thyroid and hypothalamus.
• It is also reputed to protect vision and enhance eyesight.
• Some claim that it helps calm excessive libido and could bring balance to mental disorders like schizophrenia.

 

Black spinel

• Black spinel is a powerful stone of protection and grounding, connected to the root chakra.
• It is considered an excellent shield against negative energies and environmental stress.
• It helps release energy blockages and promotes resilience in the face of challenging situations.
• It is sometimes used to enhance the body’s detoxification and strengthen the immune system.

 

Purple spinel

• Purple spinel is associated with the crown chakra, promoting spirituality and the elevation of consciousness.
• It is known for bringing deep tranquility and supporting meditation.
• It is believed to be beneficial for sleep and lucid dreaming, aiding in better self-understanding.
• Some use it to enhance intuition and connect with higher energies.

 

 

Spinel jewelry samples