Spinel is a good candidate for the title of “History’s Most Underappreciated Gem.” Some ancient mines that supplied gems for royal courts from Rome to China produced spinel, but it was usually confused with better-known stones like ruby and sapphire.
At Artisans Bespoke Jewellers, we love working with Spinels as they come in a variety of colors, in particular red and pink. Mauve- or lilac-colored spinels are also attractive, and some blue spinel colors can be intense.
Spinel Facts
- Mineral: spinel
- Chemistry: MgAl2O4
- Color: red, orange, pink, purple, blue, black
- Refractive index: 1.718
- Birefringence: none
- Specific gravity: 3.60
- Mohs Hardness: 8
Here are some beautiful Spinel combinations we have available to incorporate into your jewellery designs.
Source: GIA
