What is a Spinel Gem?
A spinel gem is a type of mineral that’s often used in jewelry making. It’s typically found in various colors such as red, blue, green, yellow and black. Spinels are known for their high clarity and make an excellent alternative to traditional precious stones like diamonds.
- Spinel gems are commonly mistaken as other gemstones such as rubies or sapphires due to their similarity in color.
- Spinels come from the same family of minerals as magnesium and aluminum oxides.
- In ancient times, spinel was believed to have healing properties by various cultures including Persians who wore it around their necks to ward off evil spirits during war battles.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Identify a Spinel Gemstone
Are you a gemstone lover or collector? Have you ever come across a beautiful and sparkling red, blue, yellow, or green stone that looks like a ruby, sapphire, topaz or emerald but felt unsure if it was indeed what it seemed?
Well, worry no more! We’ve got your back with the ultimate guide to identifying one of the most distinctive stones in the world of gems – spinel.
Spinel is an exotic and rare mineral known for its brilliance and unique colors. It has been coveted by connoisseurs throughout history as a high quality alternative to other precious gems while boasting superior hardness and resistance.
So how do you tell if that mysterious jewel sitting on your table is actually spinel? Let’s go through this step-by-step process together.
Step 1: Get Familiar with Spinel Characteristics
The first step in identifying any gemstone is getting familiar with its unique features. For example; Spinel can occur in various hues such as pink-orange-red (“ruby” spinel), purple-blue (“sapphire” spinel), orange-yellow-brown-golden (golden tan) etc depending upon its trace elements impurities like Iron , Chromium , Aluminium etc which are responsible for these colours . Moreover when we compare their physical properties (like Density , refractive index(MRI/RRI ) , Luminosity under UV radiation(FLUO)) we may differentiate them from other look alike minerals .
Some basic characteristics of spinel include;
Hardness: With a rating of 8 on Mohs Hardness Scale Spinels exhibit strong scratch resistant property making them very attractive choice for daily wear jewellery.
Density: The density range varies between 3.5–4 g/cm³ dependant upon their compositional variations.
Luster: A lustrous surface texture similar to diamonds called Adamantine can be observed from this mineral .
Refractive Index : This measures tells us about how the light bends while entering or exiting the mineral ,it ranges between 1.71 to 2.05 for different type of spinels depending upon its trace element impurities present inside them .
Transparency: Though there are various types being translucent or opaque on can be narrowed down accordingly.
FLUO :They may either fluoresce under UV radiation (some produce red-orange and some green colours )or show no fluorescence at all.
Step 2: Observe The Color
After becoming familiar with these characteristics, it’s time to examine the color of your stone carefully .
As mentioned before spinel occurs in an array of colors which mimics other precious stones . However Spinels have a unique feature called “color zoning” i.e they exhibit distinct colour bands possible unevenly distributed creating very beautiful patterns like needle-like crystals inside the gem lattice making them attractive choice amongst collectors and admirers world wide .
So look closely at every facet in daylight and note any banding or zoning areas on each plane. If you find it hard to differentiate their colours from say ruby, sapphire etc under normal lighting conditions then try using white light by placing it directly overtop & looking through instead o tilting/moving around since this will give us a clearer insight into colour pattern differentiation.
Step 3: Check For Inclusions
Like most gemstone varieties , Spinel too is not flawless with internal imperfections such as cracks, lines, splits that can help identify whether they are genuine or treated/fake.
However it’s important to keep in mind that certain artisanal well-known locations mine natural fancy colored Spinels without eye visible flaws also fetch high values.
Using a magnifying glass is best when inspecting features up close but if that’s unavailable examining under bright flashlight could help shine some light onto obscure sections indicating presence of unrelated mineral matter(hyperstenes,magnetites,garnets,&/ quartz)that helps differentiate from a genuine spinel.
Step 4: Measure the Stone
To ensure its authenticity, we can also use some basic tools to calculate its measurements such as carat weight and dimensions like height , width & length of stone since it is considered that spinels weighed under 5cts are usually cut in standardized shapes (Round, Oval or Empress) whereas heavyweights may be customised .
Step 5: Seek Professional Expertise
Incase after following above steps you still feel unsure about your gem there’s no harm seeking a professional opinion from a qualified person who specialises in Gemology because on ground level not being able to identify by oneself due people utilising treatments which might alter characteristics misleading towards wrong identification.
So now that you have followed these important tips to help distinguish between original Spinel and ones pretending to be, happy gem searching ahead! .
Top 5 Key Facts You Need to Know About Spinel Gems
Spinel is a stunning gemstone that has been used for centuries, but surprisingly it is often overlooked and undervalued compared to some of its more famous counterparts like diamonds or sapphires. Here are the top 5 key facts you need to know about spinel gems:
1) Spinel Comes in a Range of Colors:
One of the most remarkable aspects of spinel is its broad color range. Unlike other gemstones like emeralds and rubies that typically have only one color variation, spinels come in almost every hue imaginable. From deep reds, vibrant pinks, bright oranges, cobalt blues to lively greens – each shade radiates brilliance leading people to ask why haven’t they heard much about this before.
2) It Is Not as Popular As Other Gems But Rising Fast
Despite its striking appearance and unique qualities mentioned above, spinel remains an under-appreciated stone in the market largely due to lack of marketing efforts; however recent years have seen increased attention to this fascinating rock with celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson wearing exquisite pieces featuring Spinels contributing heavily towards the growth spurt experienced by Spinels.
3) An Underrated Alternative To Expensive Stones:
Another prominent point worth mentioning is how economical it can be when looking for options while still wanting something precious at hand. The cost difference between a large carat size high-quality diamond versus high-quality Spinel could save you tens if not hundreds of thousands regardless offering exceptional luxury value!
4) Distinguished Hardness Factor Greater Than Most Gemstones –
With hardness ratings varying from 7-8 on Moh’s Scale depending on which type considered (By comparison diamond sits pretty at rank 10). This puts many materials & stones below Spinel making it highly durable hence greatly reducing wear-&-tear effects common among weaker rocks
5) History Rich Beyond Comprehension:
Dating back over eight centuries ago proof obtained through historical documentation shows how far this beautiful stone belonging to the family of minerals with elements such as iron, zinc, titanium and magnesium has traveled. A testament to its endurance is that some Crown Jewels discovered across time periods were thought — for a long period before the technical advances in gemology came into picture—to be rubies and sapphires but later proved to actually be Spinels!
In conclusion:
Spinel may have remained unpopular or overlooked in comparisons so far because they haven’t been given enough spotlight by jewelers, which speaks volumes about their unexplored nature. Though it may not stand tall among more extensively marketed diamond & emerald-priced rocks of world-class prestige─you can bet there are entire collections out there boasting stunning beauty using spinel gems often as centerpiece attraction!
FAQs: Answering Your Most Common Questions About Spinel Gems
Spinel is a gemstone that has, for the longest time, been overshadowed by more popular gemstones. But thanks to recent discoveries and increased awareness among jewelers and jewelry enthusiasts alike, spinel is beginning to make a splash in the world of precious stones.
As with any new trend or discovery, there are always questions that come up about this mysterious gemstone. So here are some answers to some of the most common questions people have had about spinels:
1. What exactly is spinel?
Spinel is a mineral made up chiefly of magnesium aluminum oxide. It’s often found in igneous rocks and alluvial deposits around the world but was once overlooked as simply another version of ruby or sapphire.
2. How does it compare to other gems like diamonds, rubies or sapphires?
While diamonds are known for their hardness rating (10 on the Mohs scale), making them one of the toughest substances on earth, spinels follow closely behind at 8; being less scratch-resistant than diamond which makes it more vulnerable to scratching. Sapphires and rubies rate slightly lower at 9 on Mohs’ scale.
3. Does Spinel come in different colors?
Yes! One unique feature of spinel compared to other gems such as a diamond/ruby/sapphire trio which only comes commonly in blue/dark red/pink colors respectively—spinel can be found in various hues ranging from pinkish-red tones similar to Rubellite Tourmalines all across onto shades reminiscent of an orange sunset thus providing endless choices when looking picking just yo our hue preference alone while also offering ethical sourcing options beyond blood diamonds
4. Is Spinela good investment option alongside traditional diamond investments?
Of course we cannot leave out this important aspect,much unlike Diamonds which over time maintain value & continue climbing ,Spinels appreciation based off fluctuation demands and location specifics hinders investors bankability when compared to diamond investments which is sheltered from such variable circumstances.
5. Can Spinel be found in large carat sizes?
One common misconception is that spinel always comes as small gems, but this is far from the truth! Spinel can indeed come in sizeable carats weighing between 1 -4 grams.
6.Can spinels be cut and polished like other Gemstones?
Yes, in fact they are often smooth to the touch once completely polished and underwent further enhancement if required depending on slits and cavities present when sourcing.
7.Is there a specific way one should store Spinels
Spinel being hard can resist scratching against other jewelry pieces stored alongside via decomposition reactions ,however never assume no chance of damage so it’s recommended piece are kept separately consider investing protective bags or lined boxes while undertaking advanced measures with fragile spinel; frangible similar to how sapphire require additional care.
The rise of demand for these underappreciated gemstones is expected over time especially given their aesthetic appeal coupled with easier accessibility thanks to ethical mines increasing operations.This has hopefully quelled some frequently asked inquiries you may have been having about the intriguing yet obscure world of Spinels gems.
The History and Mythology of the Spinel Gemstone
The Spinel gemstone is a special and remarkably unique jewel that has captivated the hearts of gem enthusiasts, collectors, and jewelry lovers for centuries. It has long been considered as one of the most precious stones in the world, boasting an impressive array of colors ranging from deep reds to vivid blues and bright pinks.
The history and mythology behind this amazing stone are just as fascinating as its beauty. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Spinels so intriguing.
Historically speaking, Spinels were first discovered in Sri Lanka during ancient times around 100 BC. While they may have taken some time to gain in popularity compared to other gems like diamonds or rubies, their beauty soon earned them a loyal following among royalty who prized them for their rarity and luxurious aesthetic appeal.
According to legend, King Solomon himself was blessed with a Spinel gemstone ring that brought him good luck when he wore it on his hand. Similarly, in ancient Hindu mythology, the great warrior Arjuna was gifted with a powerful red Spinel necklace by Krishna because it had magical powers that gave him invincibility in battle.
But perhaps one of the most famous spinel tales dates back to 14th century England. There once lived an English crown known as “Black Prince,” ruler Edward III’s eldest son who loved Spinel gems above all else (along with emeralds). He even wore several classic pieces encrusted with these dazzling stones throughout his royal lifetime!
To further understand how incredible Spinels are: In fact until recently Black Prince’s ruby – which actually a centerpiece bead encircled by smaller jewels – incorrectly name -is not ruby rather large red _spinel_, dating back over seven hundred years made way in British Crown Jewellery Collection being used more than anyone realised finally cleared up scientifically only last year after much assessment done including reading older documents held nowhere else but Vatican archives- placed within imperial symbol since Edward III himself started it after claiming Spanish throne (which has a different “gemstone” meaning to English royalty).
As time passed, many civilizations continued to place tremendous value on Spinels, as they were believed to have potent magic powers that could bring enormous wealth and prosperity. Ancient Greeks praised the gem’s unique ability to protect warriors in battle while also providing good fortune.
In modern times, Spinel has become increasingly rare and expensive among collectors who prize them for their stunning color variety and pleochroism – which enable them to show different hues when seen from different angles- making each stone all the more valuable in its own right.
It is clear there is much more than meets the eye with these precious stones; indeed Spinels hold mystique that reaches far beyond mere intrinsic beauty or monetary worths . Whether handed down through ages like Black Prince’s _ruby_ or mentioned alongside Hindu gods or medieval monarchs alike -Spinel continues to captivate minds of all those who appreciate fascinating history taking no less precedence over physical perfection!
Spinel vs Other Popular Gemstones: How Do They Compare?
When it comes to choosing the perfect gemstone, there are a multitude of options available on the market. From traditional stones like diamonds and rubies to newer and trendy choices such as tanzanite or tourmaline, each can offer their own unique beauty and appeal.
However, if you’re looking for something that is both stunningly beautiful and truly one-of-a-kind, then spinel may just be the gemstone for you.
Spinel is a lesser known option when compared to some other popular gems out there. It is often overlooked in favor of more well-known options like sapphires or emeralds. However, once people learn about spinel’s amazing properties and features they become captivated by its extraordinary characteristics.
So what makes spinel so special? Let’s take a closer look at this brilliant stone versus some other popular gems:
Durability: Spinel rates an 8 on the Mohs hardness scale which means it ranks high in durability making it hard enough for everyday wear without fear of damaging easily unlike some other softer stones such as opals or pearls.
Color Range: When we think about colored gemstones, our minds naturally go straight to precious ones like rubies or sapphires. But did you know that Spinel actually offers much larger color range diversity than either ruby or sapphire? This timeless beauty offers everything from classic shades such as reds and blues; pinks & purples; to warm oranges/yellowish tones – all with exceptional clarity!
Affordability: While not quite qualifying as low priced jewelery- Spinels tend to be less expensive than most comparable precious stones which make them accessible luxuries – perfect for those who want something remarkable but don’t want to break the bank.
Crisper Shape Cuts: Since many precious gemstones have natural fissures unseen during cutting processes leading up cracks through your otherwise stunning jewellery pieces! That’s not the case with spinel – this stone is known for its solid and uniform internal structure, which makes it much quieter than other options and much easier to shape without fear of internal cracking. Its clean edges create an impressive sharpness that can be hard to match.
All in all if you are looking for something different, spun unique will offer just what you need with a subtle elegance unmatched by many well-known “precious stones”. Combining rarity, durability, affordability & consistent quality makes Spinel surpass some top-of-mind gemstones as they make perfect luxurious everyday pieces or statement jewelry ideal for every occasion!
Expert Tips for Buying and Caring for Your Spinel Jewelry.
Spinel jewelry is a mesmerizing and alluring choice for anyone who loves to adorn themselves in exquisite gems. However, before you dive headfirst into purchasing spinel jewelry, it’s imperative that you understand how to buy and take care of it properly.
In this post, we’re going to share some expert tips that will help ensure your spinel pieces stand the test of time:
1. Quality Matters
The first thing you need to consider when buying spinel jewelry is the quality of the gemstone itself. Although rare, there are synthetic spinels available as well as natural ones so always ask your jeweler which type they are selling you.
You want to look for stones with bright hues that sparkle under different lighting conditions. Always check if the stone has any cracks or blemishes on its surface too.
2. Clarity Counts
Spinel Jewelry can come in an array of colors from cobalt blue through orange-reds and beyond but clarity affects the overall impression upon one viewing it clearly (pun intended). One way jewelers describe clarity is “eye clean” meaning without visible defects when viewed under magnification at 10x power or lower.
Though higher transparency levels might be noticeable in certain settings like fluorescence cameras yet ideal balance lies between both factors reflecting high-quality wooing many a shopper with ease!
3. Cut Takes Center Stage
At times color overpowers brilliance and cut effects do not show up because of low quality precision work except on bespoke designs crafted by exceptional professionals therefore invest in good craftspeople!
A well-cut Spinell displays shimmering facets beautifully bouncing light off surfaces thus making them iridescent against multiple backgrounds enhancing one’s fashion statement in addition towards being long-lasting treasures worth their weight in gold (or silver).
4. Settings Style Is Key To Last Longevity
Choose a setting style suited for your lifestyle – e.g if someone works actively such as Hiking, Sports then choose pieces securely mounted with strong prongs, bezels.
Be. aware of fragile parts like thin wire settings that may come loose when exposed to continuous stress from daily use scenarios though they can be repaired easily by trusted jewelers familiar in spinel piece repairs!
5. Clean With Care
To keep your Spinel pieces clean and lustrous over time, consider taking care not exposing them to substances prone causing damage such water extreme heat or chemicals e.g chlorine bleach ammonia other cleaning agents exposing the hue brightness effecting it noticeably so one shouldn’t rely on DIY methods going forward re-polish / professional servicing thus avoiding any irreplaceable loss too.
In conclusion we hope our expert tips have inspired you to purchase Spinell jewelry for cherished lifetime memories! Remember that investing in carefully picked gemstones set tell-story styles appealinag personal aesthetic preferences are perfect keepsakes for generations to come while following these guidelines undeniably keeping them intact indefinitely appreciated just as much as their first day appearance giftpurchase-wise by caring owners who value quality products forever.
Bylined – Mr Kuhu Roy is a GIA certified Gemologist who writes blogs & conducts webinars explaining Gemstone interpretations, sourcing, issues in Jewelry Industry and gives his opinion on current trends forecasting future directions
Table with useful data:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Magnesium Aluminium Oxide |
| Color | Various colors, including red, blue, green, yellow, and black |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 8 |
| Luster | Vitreous to adamantine |
| Transparency | Transparent to opaque |
| Crystal system | Cubic |
| Refractive index | 1.712-1.785 |
| Specific gravity | 3.5-4.1 |
| Occurrence | Found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, as well as in alluvial deposits |
Information from an expert:
Spinel is a mineral that occurs in various colors, including red, pink, purple, blue, green and black. It has been valued as a precious gemstone for centuries due to its durability and vibrant hues. Unlike other gems like sapphire or ruby which are often heat treated or diffused to enhance their color appearances, spinel’s vivid color is natural and unenhanced. Some famous examples of spinel include the Black Prince’s Ruby housed within the Crown Jewels of England and the Timur Ruby displayed at the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History.
Historical fact:
The spinel gemstone has been cherished for centuries, with historical records tracing its use back to ancient Egypt and Burma. It was often confused with ruby and sapphire due to their similar appearance until the 18th century when chemical analysis distinguished between them. Spinel also played a significant role in the famous “Black Prince’s Ruby,” which is actually a misnomer since it is a large red spinel set on England’s Imperial State Crown.
