Discovering Spinel: The Colorful Gem That Shines Bright

Spinel is a stunning gemstone that comes in lots of different colours, like red, pink, blue, and even black. It shines super bright, like other famous gemstones such as rubies or sapphires, so sometimes people mix them up. But spinel has its unique charm and history that makes it stand out.

People have loved spinel for a long time. Did you know it’s been used in jewellery for over a thousand years? It was mistaken for other gems in the past, but now people appreciate its beauty all on its own.

The most famous spinel is probably the “Black Prince’s Ruby,” which is not a ruby but a big red spinel set in the British Imperial State Crown. It’s been passed down through royalty for centuries!

One of the coolest things about spinel is that it’s quite tough, so it’s great for jewellery you wear every day. Plus, it comes in so many pretty colours that everyone can find one they love.

Types and Colors of Spinel

Spinel comes in various types and a wide range of colours. Here are the primary types and colours of spinel:

Types of Spinel

• Transparent Spinel: This type of spinel is transparent and colourfully showcases light.
• Translucent Spinel: Translucent spinel is slightly cloudy or hazy, allowing some light to pass through, and giving it a semi-transparent appearance.
• Opaque Spinel: Opaque spinel is not transparent; it doesn’t allow light to pass through and appears solid without any see-through qualities.

Colours of Spinel

• Red Spinel: Red spinel is a highly sought-after gemstone that comes in shades from vivid reds to softer pink-red or purplish-red hues.
• Pink Spinel: Pink spinel has various hues, from delicate baby pinks to vibrant, hot pinks.
• Blue Spinel: Blue spinel ranges from light, almost transparent shades to deep, rich blues, resembling the colour of sapphires.
• Purple Spinel: Purple spinel showcases a range of purple shades, from soft lavenders to deeper royal purples.
• Black Spinel: This type of spinel appears black, but under light, it might reveal undertones of other colours, like deep reds or blues.
• Orange Spinel: Orange spinel comes in warm and fiery tones, from bright oranges to reddish-orange hues.
• Violet Spinel: Violet spinel exhibits beautiful purple-blue tones, sometimes leaning more towards blue or purple.
• Green Spinel: Green spinel varies from light, almost transparent greens to darker, more intense shades resembling emeralds.

Properties of Spinel

• Hardness: Spinel is quite tough and ranks 8 on the hardness scale, making it durable for everyday jewellery.
• Colours: It comes in many colours like red, pink, blue, and more, each with its beautiful shade.
• Shine: Spinel sparkles a lot and looks shiny due to its high refractive index.
• Transparency: Sometimes it’s see-through, sometimes a bit cloudy, and sometimes completely solid.
• Durability: It’s rigid and doesn’t easily get scratched, so it’s great for making different types of jewellery.
• Where it’s Found: People mine spinel in different places around the world like Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
• Treatments: Usually, spinel isn’t treated much and is found in its natural form.
• History: Throughout history, it’s been mixed up with other gems like rubies. It’s been used in royal jewellery and symbolizes energy and strength.
• Uses: Not just in jewellery, but also in watches and other ornamental designs because of its pretty colours and how durable it is.

Caring for Spinel

Caring for spinel is relatively simple! Here are some tips:

Cleaning: Use mild soap and warm water to clean your spinel jewellery. Gently scrub with a soft brush, then rinse and dry it thoroughly.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep your spinel away from harsh chemicals, including household cleaners or chlorine, as they can damage the stone’s surface.

Storage: Store spinel jewellery separately to prevent scratching. Wrap it in a soft cloth or keep it in a fabric-lined jewellery box.

Protection: Avoid exposing spinel to extreme temperatures or sudden temperature changes to prevent any damage.

Regular Inspections: Periodically check your spinel jewellery for loose settings or any signs of damage. If you notice anything unusual, take it to a jeweller for inspection and repair.

Professional Cleaning: Consider having your spinel jewellery professionally cleaned and inspected by a jeweller annually to maintain its beauty and integrity.

Following these simple care tips will help preserve the beauty and shine of your spinel jewellery for years to come.

Conclusion: The Timeless Charm of Spinel

Spinel is like a treasure chest full of colourful gems that never lose its sparkle. With its many shades, from fiery reds to calming blues and more, this gem always catches the eye. It’s been loved for a long time, even by kings and queens!

Not just for jewellery, spinel is also used in watches and other stuff because it’s super strong and stunning. In the world of gems, spinel is a superstar, making everyone go “wow” with its amazing colours and everlasting charm. It’s a gem that will keep on shining and captivating hearts for many more years to come!