Spinel Stone: Properties, Benefits & Meanings
Spinel Stone Overview
Spinel is a beautiful gemstone often overlooked in favor of more well-known stones like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. However, spinel has a unique charm and brilliance that makes it a great choice for those who want something different.
Spinel is found in a wide variety of colors, including red, pink, purple, blue, and black. It is a hard stone with a rating of eight on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it resistant to scratches and chips.
It is also highly refractive and has a high sparkle and shine, which makes it highly desirable. This article will look into spinel stone’s properties, meanings, and uses.
What Is Spinel Stone?
Spinel is a beautiful gemstone that is often used in jewelry. It comes in various colors, including red, pink, purple, blue, and black. It is known for its hard, durable nature, rating an eight on the Mohs scale of hardness.
This high hardness, combined with its wide range of colors, has led to spinel being mistaken for more well-known precious stones like rubies and sapphires in the past. For example, the “Black Prince’s Ruby,” a red spinel, was once set in the Imperial State Crown of England.
Spinel is a versatile gemstone that can be worn in any setting, from casual to formal. It is also a great alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings. Spinel is a wonderful choice for those looking to add something special to their jewelry collection. Its high hardness and various colors make it durable and attractive for any occasion.
Spinel Stone Appearance
Spinel is a beautiful gemstone, occurring in various colors, including red, pink, purple, blue, and black. It has a sparkling, metallic appearance and is known for its high shine and sparkle. It is also a relatively hard stone, with a rating of eight on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Spinel can be cut into a range of shapes, including round, oval, pear, square, and cushion, depending on the specific characteristics of the individual stone. People often use it in jewelry, such as earrings, rings, pendants, etc.
Overall, spinel is a beautiful and versatile gemstone that adds a touch of color and sparkle to any piece of jewelry. Its wide range of colors and durable nature makes it a popular choice for those looking to add something special to their collection.
Where is Spinel stone found?
Spinel is often mined in areas with a history of gemstone production, and it is typically found in metamorphic and igneous rocks. You can also find it in alluvial deposits, where streams and rivers have washed it down. It is most commonly mined from the following countries:
- Afghanistan
- Cambodia
- China
- Madagascar
- Myanmar
- Pakistan
- Russia
- Sri Lanka
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- USA
- Vietnam
You can find a more detailed list of all the mines for spinel gemstones here.
Physical Properties
| Mineral Group | Spinel |
| Formula | MgAl2O4 |
| Color | Red, Blue, Pink, Violet, Green |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 8 |
| Refractive Index | 1.710 – 1.735 |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Luster | Vitreous, silky |
| Specific Gravity | 3.54 – 3.70 |
| Transparency | Transparent, Translucent |
How to tell if your Spinel Stone is Real?
You determine whether a spinel stone is real using a couple of methods. Here are some that you can try:
- Scratch test: One way to test the hardness of a spinel stone is to scratch it against a surface. Spinel is a relatively hard stone, rating an eight on the Mohs hardness scale. If the stone can scratch a surface that is harder than eight on the Mohs scale, it is likely a real spinel. An easier test is to try and scratch the stone with a knife or household object. If you see any scratches appear, it is not a genuine spinel stone.
- Acetone test: This test involves applying a small drop of acetone (found in nail polish remover) to the stone. If the stone dissolves or changes color when the acetone is applied, it is likely a fake. Natural spinel is not affected by acetone.
- Transparency: Spinel is a transparent stone, meaning you should be able to see through it to some degree. If the stone is completely opaque, it is likely a fake.
- Inclusions: Real spinel stones may have small inclusions or imperfections visible under magnification. If the stone does not have any inclusions at all, it may have been made artificially.
These tests are not foolproof, and it is always best to consult a professional gemologist if you aren’t sure about the authenticity of a spinel stone.
Cost and Price
The price of a spinel stone is affected by a few factors, including size, color, cut, and clarity. Here is a brief overview of how each factor can impact the price of a spinel stone:
- Size: In general, larger spinel stones tend to be more expensive than smaller ones. The price per carat (a unit of weight for gemstones) also increases as the size of the stone increases due to the rarity of larger spinel stones.
- Color: The color of a spinel gemstone can have a significant impact on its price. Red and pink spinels tend to be more expensive than those in other colors, while black spinels are generally the least expensive.
- Cut: The cut of a spinel stone refers to the way it has been shaped and polished. A well-cut spinel will have a symmetrical shape and good faceting, which can enhance its overall appearance and increase its value.
- Clarity: The clarity of a spinel stone refers to the presence of inclusions, or imperfections, within the stone. A spinel with fewer inclusions will generally be more expensive than one with more inclusions. Some inclusions are normal and do not necessarily affect the beauty or value of the stone. Not having any inclusions at all is indicative of a synthetic Spinel crystal.
These are general trends, and the price of a spinel stone can also be influenced by other factors such as its origin, demand, and the overall market for gemstones.
Chakra Connection
The Spinel family stones are believed to be connected to the root chakra, associated with grounding, stability, and security. This chakra is located at the base of the spine. Wearing or carrying a spinel stone is believed to help balance and align the root chakra, promoting feelings of stability, security, and groundedness.
Some people also believe that crystals of spinel can improve physical strength and vitality and boost the immune system. These beliefs are not based on scientific evidence and are not universally accepted.
Meaning and Uses
- Grounding: Spinel is believed to be a grounding stone that can help to connect the wearer to the earth and promote feelings of stability and security.
- Balance: Some people believe that spinel can help to balance the energies of the body, mind, and spirit, helping to promote overall well-being.
- Vitality: Some sources suggest that spinel can help to improve physical strength and vitality, as well as boost the immune system.
- Clarity: Some people believe that spinel can help to clear the mind and improve focus, making it a good stone for meditation and spiritual practices.
- Emotional healing: Some people believe that spinel can help to release negative emotions and promote feelings of love, joy, and compassion.
How to clean Spinel Stone Jewelry?
You can follow the given steps to clean your spinel stone jewelry:
- Gently brush the surface of the spinel gem with a soft, dry toothbrush to remove any dirt or debris.
- Soak the jewelry in a slightly warm solution of water and mild soap for a few minutes.
- Gently scrub the jewelry using a soft cloth or toothbrush, paying special attention to any crevices or intricate details.
- Thoroughly rinse the jewelry under warm running water to remove all soap residue.
- Pat down the jewelry with a microfiber cloth. Using cotton cloth can leave lint.
- Allow the jewelry to air dry completely before storing it or wearing it again.
It is important to handle spinel stone jewelry with care, as it is a relatively hard but brittle gemstone that can be prone to chipping if it is subjected to rough handling. Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials to clean spinel jewelry, as these can damage the surface of the stone.
FAQ
What gemstone goes best with spinel stone?
Spinel goes best with rubies and sapphires. It is a very versatile stone and comes in a variety of colors. So, it can go well with different stones depending on which color the spinel shows.
Complimentary colors on the color wheel will go best together. For example, red spinel, also called flame spinel, goes best with a green stone like peridot or chrysoprase.
Is spinel a rare stone?
Spinels are fairly common in the gemstone world. Certain colors of spinel are rarer than others. The blue color is generally the rarest gemstone color. Light blue stones are usually worth more than other colored stones.
For example, cobalt blue spinels with a green tint are considered the rarest variety and command a premium compared to the prices of precious stones.
What does a spinel represent?
Spinel stones represent vitality, clarity, and grounding. It is connected to the root chakra and acts accordingly. Many sources note Spinel as the most underrated gemstone of the 20th century.
