10 Interesting Facts About Spinel
For centuries, spinel has been misidentified, underappreciated, and overlooked. But times have changed.
Today, spinel is enjoying a well-earned moment in the spotlight. From royal crown jewels to modern neon-pink treasures, here are ten fascinating facts about this complex and captivating gemstone.
It Was Long Mistaken for Ruby
For centuries, red spinel was regularly confused with ruby. Both gems can be found in the same deposits and can display vivid red colours, but they’re entirely different minerals.
The most famous case of mistaken identity? The Black Prince’s Ruby, set in the British Imperial State Crown, is actually a 170-carat spinel. Another giant in the Crown Jewels, the 361-carat Timur Ruby, also spinel.
Spinel Wasn’t Recognised as a Separate Gem Until 1783
The confusion between ruby and spinel persisted for centuries because there was no formal mineral distinction. That changed in 1783 when French mineralogist Jean Baptiste Louis Romé de l’Isle identified spinel as a separate species from corundum (ruby and sapphire). This scientific breakthrough redefined how we classify red gemstones in Western gemology.
The Largest Known Faceted Spinel Weighs 500 Carats
The Samarian Spinel, part of the Iranian Crown Jewels, holds the title of the largest known faceted spinel. This remarkable gem weighs an astonishing 500 carats and reportedly bears an ancient inscription linking it to a Persian emperor.
There's also talk of the Iranian collection containing an even larger rough spinel, around 5,000 carats, though this is unverified, so it could just be an unfounded rumor.
It Forms in Marble
Spinel typically forms in metamorphic rocks, especially marble-hosted deposits, which create the ideal conditions for clean, vibrant crystals. Historic sources include Myanmar (especially Mogok) and Sri Lanka. In modern times, exceptional stones are also mined in Tanzania, Vietnam, and Tajikistan.
Mahenge Spinel Shook the Market
When neon pink-red spinels from Mahenge, Tanzania, hit the market in the early 2000s, they turned heads. Their glowing, electric hues were unlike anything seen before, and their discovery transformed perceptions of what spinel could be. These stones quickly became collector favourites, especially when set into fine jewellery.
Luc Yen Spinel is Known for Gorgeous Purples
While Mahenge spinels lean red and pink, Vietnam’s Luc Yen mines are famous for a broader palette. These spinels often show dreamy purples, lavender tones, and soft pinks—with exceptional clarity. Vietnam has become a major player in the world of coloured spinel, especially for those seeking less traditional hues.
Cobalt Spinel Can Rival Sapphire
Cobalt-blue spinel, particularly from Sri Lanka and Vietnam, is one of the rarest and most valuable colours in the spinel family. These vivid, pure blues are highly sought after and can rival fine sapphires in appearance, and very occasionally in price. Unlike synthetic blue spinels, natural cobalt-blue stones are extremely rare and prized.
Most Spinels Are Untreated
Unlike ruby and sapphire, which is often heat-treated to enhance its colour and clarity, spinel is usually left as nature made it. Being untreated, spinels tend to be especially appealing to collectors and gem purists who prefer natural beauty without human intervention.
It Became a Birthstone in 2016
For a long time, spinel wasn’t included in the traditional birthstone list, but that changed in 2016. The American Gem Trade Association added spinel as an official birthstone for August, joining peridot and sardonyx. This recognition brought new attention to the gem and helped cement its place in the mainstream.
The Hope Spinel Sold for Nearly $1.5 Million
One of the most famous spinels in private hands was the Hope Spinel, a 50.13-carat gem once part of the same collection as the legendary Hope Diamond. In 2015, it went under the hammer at Bonhams and fetched nearly $1.5 million, setting a record at the time and proving that fine spinel can compete with the world’s most iconic gemstones.
From royal treasures to neon newcomers, spinel has always been a gem of quiet brilliance. As more people discover its range of colours, rich history, and natural beauty, spinel is finally getting the attention it deserves.