Spinel: The Untold Treasure of the Gemstone World 

Introduction 

Among gemstones, few carry the aura of mystery and rediscovery as vividly as spinel. For centuries, this stone was mistaken for ruby or sapphire, finding its way into crowns and royal treasures across Asia and Europe. The Black Prince’s Ruby in the British Imperial State Crown, admired for centuries as a ruby, is in fact a fine red spinel. The Timur Ruby, another celebrated gem of the Mughal and British crown collections, is also a spinel. 

Yet for all its royal history, spinel remains one of the most underappreciated gemstones in the modern market. It offers brilliance, durability, and a dazzling spectrum of colours — often at a fraction of the price of rubies and sapphires. Most importantly, spinel is one of the very few gemstones that is typically found untreated, making it a natural treasure for collectors and believers alike. 

This blog will take you through the complete world of spinel — from its gemmological structure to its history, origins, price points, astrological significance, and jewellery uses. If ruby and sapphire are the well-told legends, spinel is the hidden epic waiting to be rediscovered. 

History and Lore of Spinel 

Ancient Recognition 

 Spinel’s journey dates back over a thousand years. Mines in Central and South Asia, particularly in Burma (Myanmar), Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan, supplied red and pink spinels to royal courts. Because of their close resemblance to ruby, these gems were cherished without distinction. In fact, until the development of advanced gemmology in the 18th century, spinel and ruby were considered one and the same. 

Royal Treasures 

The Black Prince’s Ruby: Set in the Imperial State Crown of England, this 170-carat red gem has witnessed centuries of coronations and royal ceremonies. Despite its name, it is not a ruby but a spinel. 

The Timur Ruby: A 352-carat red spinel, inscribed with the names of Mughal emperors, now in the collection of the British Crown Jewels. 

Mughal & Persian Courts: Spinels were prized not only for their beauty but also as symbols of power and vitality. 

 Cultural Beliefs 

Historically, spinel was considered a stone of protection and renewal. Warriors in ancient Burma wore spinels in their armor, believing the gem made them invincible in battle. In Persian traditions, spinels were regarded as bringers of health, hope, and joy. 

 Gemmological Properties of Spinel 

Mineral Family: Oxide mineral (Magnesium Aluminum Oxide). 

 Crystal System: Cubic (like diamond, garnet). 

 Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale — durable and suitable for daily wear. 

 Refractive Index (RI): 1.718 

 Birefringence: None (singly refractive — unlike ruby/sapphire which are doubly refractive). 

 Specific Gravity: 3.58–4.06 

 Lustre: Vitreous, bright. 

 Cleavage: None (spinel breaks in a conchoidal fracture, making it more durable than many gems). 

Colours of Spinel 

Spinel comes in an extraordinary range of hues: 

 Red Spinel: Vibrant, ruby-like reds. 

 Pink Spinel: From soft pastels to vivid neon pinks. 

 Blue Spinel: Especially cobalt spinels from Sri Lanka and Vietnam. 

 Purple/Violet Spinel: Calming and regal tones. 

 Black Spinel: Opaque, grounding stone, modern jewellery favourite. 

 Grey & White Spinel: Rare, understated elegance. 

This wide colour spectrum, combined with its brilliance and hardness, makes spinel one of the most versatile gems in the world. 

Spinel vs. Ruby and Sapphire 

For centuries, spinel and ruby shared the same throne. Their red shades were indistinguishable without advanced tools. Today, gemmology clearly separates them, but visually, spinel still rivals ruby and sapphire in beauty. 

Key Differences 

Crystal Structure: Spinel is cubic; ruby/sapphire are trigonal. 

 Optics: Spinel is singly refractive; ruby/sapphire are doubly refractive. 

 Treatment: Most rubies and sapphires are heat treated; most spinels are untreated. 

 Price: Fine rubies command 10–20x the price of equivalent spinels. 

 This combination of rarity, beauty, and natural integrity makes spinel highly desirable for collectors who value authenticity. 

Origins and Sources of Spinel 

Burma (Myanmar) 

 The Mogok mines of Myanmar have yielded some of the finest red spinels in history. Rich, saturated reds with a soft inner glow — often mistaken for rubies — are a hallmark of Burmese spinel. 

Sri Lanka (Ceylon) 

Sri Lanka produces an extraordinary palette: pink, lavender, and the famous cobalt blue spinels. These cobalt spinels are exceptionally rare and highly prized. 

Vietnam 

The Luc Yen mines are famous for neon pink spinel, stones that almost seem to glow under natural light. These are among the most sought-after spinels today. 

Tanzania (Mahenge) 

Discovered in the early 2000s, Mahenge spinels shocked the gem world with their electric pinks and vivid hues. Their “neon effect” rivals Paraiba tourmaline in intensity. 

Tajikistan & Afghanistan 

Fine red spinels, reminiscent of Burmese material, have been mined here for centuries. 

Madagascar 

Modern deposits produce a wide colour variety, adding to global supply. 

Treatments and Certification 

Unlike many coloured gemstones, spinel is almost always untreated. Heat treatment, so common in sapphire and ruby, is extremely rare in spinel. This is a significant advantage for collectors: when you buy a spinel, you are buying natural colour — not one created by intervention. 

Certification 

Reputable labs that certify spinel: 

 IGI (International Gemological Institute) 

 GIA (Gemological Institute of America) 

SSEF (Swiss Gemmological Institute) 

 Gübelin Gem Lab 

 IIGJ -GJEPC

ITLGR

IGITL

 Certification confirms authenticity, treatment status, and sometimes origin. For collectors, certification is essential. 

Pricing of Spinel 

Spinel pricing depends on colour, clarity, size, and origin. 

 Price Factors 

Colour:

Red and cobalt blue command the highest prices. Neon pinks also fetch premiums. 

Clarity:

Eye-clean stones are rare; inclusions are common. 

 Carat Weight:

Fine stones above 2 carats are rare; prices jump exponentially. 

 Origin:

Burmese reds, Mahenge pinks, and cobalt blues from Sri Lanka/Vietnam carry premiums. 

Price Ranges (2025 Market, Retail India) 

Spinel Type Commercial Quality (₹/ct) Fine Quality (₹/ct) Exceptional Quality (₹/ct) 

 Red (Burma/Tajikistan) 5,000–25,000 40,000–1,00,000 1,50,000–3,00,000+ 

Pink (Mahenge/Vietnam) 3,000–15,000 25,000–75,000 1,00,000–2,00,000+ 

Blue (Cobalt, Sri Lanka/Vietnam) 20,000–50,000 1,00,000–2,00,000 2,50,000–5,00,000+ 

Lavender/Violet 2,000–10,000 15,000–40,000 50,000–1,00,000 

Black Spinel 500–2,000 2,000–5,000 Rarely above 10,000 

Astrological and Healing Uses of Spinel 

Though spinel is not part of the traditional Navratnas in Vedic astrology, it has found recognition in modern metaphysical and healing circles. 

 Believed Benefits by Colour 

 Red Spinel: Vitality, courage, passion, overcoming fear. 

 Pink Spinel: Compassion, love, emotional healing, self-acceptance. 

 Blue Spinel: Intuition, mental clarity, communication. 

 Black Spinel: Protection against negativity, grounding, strengthening resolve. 

Chakras 

Root Chakra: Black and red spinel. 

 Heart Chakra: Pink spinel. 

 Throat & Third Eye: Blue spinel. 

 In crystal healing, spinel is considered a stone of renewal — believed to re-energize the wearer during physical or emotional fatigue. 

Spinel in Jewellery 

Spinel is increasingly recognised by high-end jewellers worldwide. Cartier, Tiffany, and Bvlgari have featured fine spinels in their collections. 

 Reasons for Jewellery Popularity 

 Durability: Mohs hardness of 8 makes it suitable for rings and daily wear. 

 Colour Spectrum: Offers alternatives to ruby, sapphire, and tourmaline. 

 Affordability: High beauty-to-price ratio compared to corundum. 

 Fashion Trend: Neon pinks and cobalt blues align with modern luxury tastes. 

Spinel is especially popular for engagement rings among younger buyers seeking unique alternatives to traditional diamonds and rubies. 

Buying Guide: How to Choose Spinel 

Prioritize Colour: Vivid, saturated hues carry the most value. 

 Check Certification: Ensure the gem is certified untreated. 

 Clarity: Avoid overly included stones unless priced low. 

 Origin Matters (Optional): Burmese red, Mahenge pink, cobalt blue Sri Lankan stones are collector favourites. 

 Budget Smartly: Fine stones under 2 carats are accessible; above 3 carats, prices escalate rapidly. 

PreciousCarats Perspective 

At PreciousCarats, we curate spinels with the same philosophy that guides our entire collection: calm exploration, natural integrity, and emotional resonance. 

Untreated Stones Only: Almost all spinels in our collection are natural, free from enhancement. 

Certified Gems: Every stone is lab-certified to ensure authenticity and trust. 

Emotion in Discovery: We highlight the story of each gem — its origin, its natural inclusions, and its individuality. 

 For us, spinel is not a substitute for ruby or sapphire. It is a gem in its own right — refined, dignified, and quietly powerful. 

FAQs 

Is spinel rarer than ruby? 

Yes. Fine spinels are rarer in nature than rubies, but the market awareness is lower, which keeps prices accessible. 

Why was spinel mistaken for ruby? 

Because of its vivid red colour and similar brilliance. Only advanced gem testing can distinguish the two. 

 Is spinel good for astrology? 

Spinel is not a classical Vedic gemstone, but modern practitioners value it for vitality, healing, and emotional balance. 

What is the price of spinel per carat? 

Ranges from ₹1,000/ct for black spinel to ₹5,00,000+/ct for rare cobalt blue or Burmese red spinels. 

What is the most expensive spinel colour? 

Fine red Burmese spinels and cobalt blue spinels from Sri Lanka/Vietnam. 

Is spinel durable for rings? 

Yes. With Mohs 8 hardness and no cleavage, spinel is excellent for rings and daily wear. 

Conclusion 

Spinel is the quiet legend of the gemstone world. It has adorned crowns, passed through empires, and glowed in private collections for centuries — often mistaken for ruby, yet equally deserving of admiration. 

Today, spinel represents truth, vitality, and authenticity. In an age where most gems are treated, spinel stands apart as a naturally radiant gem, offering both emotional resonance and enduring value. 

For collectors, believers, or those simply in search of beauty — spinel is not the “imitation ruby.” It is the undiscovered treasure, waiting for its rightful place in the spotlight. 

Explore our spinel collection @ www.preciouscarats.com