Until recently, spinel was an underappreciated gem with little consumer recognition. Increasing demand for ruby alternatives rekindled appreciation for spinel’s rich red color and history. In ancient times, southeast Asia’s mines yielded exceptional large spinel crystals, which became the treasured property of kings and emperors, often passing through many hands as spoils of war.
Nat Thwe
Spinel crystals are so perfect, in Burma they are said to be nat thwe or “polished by the spirits.”
Black Prince
The famous 14th century Black Prince’s Ruby in the British Imperial Crown is actually a red spinel.
1783
Mineralogist Jean Baptiste Louis Rome de Lisle identifies spinel as a different mineral than ruby.
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