Spinel- Birthstone of August
The Spinel birthstone was unappreciated until recently, as today’s consumers look for an alternative to ruby, a gem with which red spinel was mistaken for centuries. Although frequently confused with ruby, Spinel stands on its own merits.
Definition:
This August birthstone is singly refractive, with the same physical properties in all crystal directions. It belongs to the cubic crystal system, and its characteristic crystal shape is an octahedron, which looks like two back-to-back pyramids. Well-formed spinel crystals are fairly common in nature. The name “spinel” comes from the Latin word “spina”, which means thorn, in reference to the shape of spinel crystals. This August birthstone comes in a wealth of colors: intense red, vibrant pink, orange, purple, violet, blue, and bluish green.
The History of Spinel:
In ancient times, Central and 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. As a result, some of the world’s most illustrious “rubies” are actually spinel.
For centuries, spinel was mistaken for other gemstones. Some of history’s most famous rubies have actually turned out to be this August birthstone. For example, the approximately 170 carat Black Prince’s “Ruby” was owned by a succession of Moorish and Spanish kings before Edward, Prince of Wales (also known as the Black Prince) received the stone in 1367 as payment for winning a battle on behalf of Peter of Castile. This historic crimson-red gem is set in England’s Imperial State Crown and is displayed in the Tower of London. It was probably mined in the mountains of Afghanistan. It first appeared in the historical records of fourteenth century Spain. Today, this historic red spinel is set in Great Britain’s “Imperial State Crown”, just above the 317.40 carat Cullinan II Diamond.
Since then, many other English monarchs – including Henry VIII – have cherished the gem. It has outlasted them all, surviving fires, attempted thefts, and World War II bombing raids, to become one of the centerpieces of England’s Crown Jewels.
Another large spinel in the Crown Jewels, the “Timur Ruby”, weighs over 350 carats. It has a checkered history as well. Several Persian inscriptions are carved into the gem and testify to its age. Not until the 18th century was spinel clearly separated from ruby on the basis of their chemical differences.
Symbolism:
Red Spinel, along with other red gems was thought to be a remedy for all types of blood loss and inflammatory diseases. These red gems were believed to ease anger and promote harmony.
Spinel is a beautiful crystal connected with energy renewal, encouragement in difficult circumstances, and rejuvenation. It opens the chakras. Different colors of spinel relate to the whole chakra spectrum.
Psychologically, Spinel enhances positive aspects of the personality and aids in achieving and accepting success with humility.
Luc Yen region in northern Vietnam
Location:
Today, Spinel is found in several locations. Major sources include Tajikistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Pakistan. Some sources are known for producing spinel an arresting color, like hot pink and red spinel from Myanmar.
Sri Lanka is a veritable Treasure Island of different gem species and varieties, including Sapphire, Ruby, and Garnet. Spinel is mined across the southern half of the country. Colors found there include blue, pink, and purple. The lush rolling hills of the Central Highlands and river gravels in the Ratnapura District have been rich sources for centuries.
Myanmar’s Mogok Stone Tract is another prolific source, one where ruby, sapphire, and other gem minerals are found along with this and another August birthstone, peridot. Gems unearthed there are so naturally lustrous that locals call them “spirit polished”.
The Luc Yen region in northern Vietnam has produced this August birthstone in deep red, purple, pink, violet and violet-blue since the 1980s, and vivid blue spinels were found there in the 2000s. Getting to the mines is an excursion. It requires a five to six-hour drive from Hanoi and then hiking or biking for several more hours.
A 2007 discovery in Tanzania of pinkish and orangey red spinel captivated gem collectors. Mines there also produce this August birthstone in purple and blue hues.
Care & Cleaning:
Spinel is 8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, so it is typically a durable gem for rings and other jewelry. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners can be used; however, the presence of fractures could pose a problem. Warm, soapy water is always a safe alternative. Spinel is stable when exposed to light and chemicals. High heat can cause some colors to fade.
Why We Love This Gemstone
Stunning Color:
Singly refractive and often very transparent, red spinel rivals ruby’s color but costs much less.
Amazing Chromium:
Red Spinel is colored by chromium, the same trace element that colors ruby and emerald.
Birth of Gemology: Distinguishing spinel from ruby gave birth to the science of Gemology.
COLOR
The most valued spinel colors are bright red, cobalt blue, vivid pink, and orange. Pale lavender is more affordable.
CLARITY
Spinel with no visible inclusions is preferred. The more prominent the inclusions, the less valuable the gem.
CUT
Spinel is most often cut in cushion and oval shapes. When properly proportioned it has excellence brilliance.
CARAT
Fine-color Spinel is rare above five carats. Most fine-quality rough is cut to non-standard sizes to save weight.