Red Spinel: Gemstone and Jewelry

Red spinel is a magnificent gemstone that is often mistaken as a ruby due to its striking resemblance. This mistake has earned red spinel the nickname ‘Ruby’s Impostor.’ However, red spinel is a gemstone that carries its unique qualities and has been cherished by many civilizations for centuries. Spinel is a mineral that belongs to the spinel group, alongside other minerals such as gahnite, hercynite, and magnetite. Red spinel signifies love, passion, and strength, making it an ideal gemstone to use in jewelry today.

History of Red Spinel:

Red spinel has been documented to have been used as a precious stone over centuries. It was initially mined in the region known as Badakhshan, which is located in the central mountains of Afghanistan. This region, rich in gemstones, was known as one of the primary sources of precious gemstones worldwide. As per historical records, red spinel was discovered in the region alongside blue sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. The earliest documented use of red spinel was in ancient Greece, where it was used to make beads and other ornamental artifacts.

The use of red spinel in ancient Rome was also well documented. Roman Emperor Nero is said to have bought a massive red spinel to be used as an ornament for his throne. This gemstone was so significant that it had the engravings of all the Roman emperors up to that time. It later moved to the treasury of the German prince, where it was lost and never seen again. In the Indian subcontinent, red spinel was used to make jewelry for royalty. The famous 'Black Prince Ruby’ found in the Crown Jewels of England is, in fact, a red spinel.

Physical Characteristics of Red Spinel: 

Red spinel has an excellent hardness rating of 8 on the Mohs scale, which makes it durable, sturdy, and resistant to scratches, making it ideal for use in jewelry. The mineral crystal structure of red spinel is the same as that of ruby and sapphire, which is why these gemstones look notably similar. It belongs to the cubic crystal system and has a specific gravity of 3.6 to 4.1.

Red spinel is usually found in octahedral crystal shapes. The color ranges from pink to dark red, and the tone ranges from light to dark. The presence of chromium in red spinel determines its intensity of color. Red spinel minerals contain iron, chrome, and magnesium. The most valuable red spinels are those that have a vivid red hue and that are not too dark and opaque.

Sources of Red Spinel: 

The most significant sources of red spinel are found in Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Madagascar, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. Historically, Southeast Asia has been known to produce some of the finest red spinels in the world. In Burma (Myanmar), the Mogok valley is known for its great production of the gem. Other sources include Russia, Thailand, Cambodia, Pakistan, and Vietnam.

Gemological Uses of Red Spinel: 

Red spinel saw significant use in olden times for making beads and other ornamental artifacts. It was also used during the ancient Phoenician civilization to make seals and amulets. Today, it is most commonly used in jewelry. The gemstone is cut into various shapes, including rounds, ovals, cushions, and pears. It is used to make necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and pendants. Some of the most expensive red spinel sets are custom-made and incorporate diamonds and other precious gemstones.

Red Spinel's Value in Jewelry: 

Red spinel is a highly sought-after stone because of its striking resemblance to a ruby. However, red spinel is often priced lower than a ruby, making it an excellent substitute for those looking for a similar appearance at a lesser cost. The price of red spinel is determined by its color, clarity, luster, and intensity of color. A brilliantly cut, intense red spinel with no visible inclusions will be more valuable than those with inclusions or less vivid coloring.

Red spinel has become extremely coveted during the past decade due to the limited availability of fancy-colored spinels. Precious red-colored spinels have become incredibly rare, and as a result, they command high prices. The finest Sri Lanka red spinels have a far-reaching history and are priced upwards of $10,000 per carat. Comparatively, the lower quality red spinels can be priced as low as $30 per carat.

Red Spinel and Astrology: 

Aside from its ornamental use, red spinel has also been used by various cultures to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Astrologers believe that these gemstones carry unique metaphysical properties. The red spinel is believed to embody the positive energy of hope and rebirth. It is also considered a powerful talisman that can help with enhancing creativity and originality in an individual. It additionally carries the essence of passion, love, and strength. Red spinel is also considered to bring good fortune to people born under the zodiac signs of Scorpio or Capricorn.

Red spinel is a unique gemstone with a fascinating history. It has long been used in jewelry and holds its unique charm due to its color and inclusions, making it an excellent substitute for a ruby and a centerpiece for any jewelry collection. Throughout history, the gem has been cherished by royalty, and it continues to be a prime choice for collectors and gemstone enthusiasts. With its links to good fortune and positive energy, it's easy to see why red spinel is such a coveted gemstone.