What Is a Spinel Gemstone?

Ever wondered about the intriguing gemstone known as Spinel? This gem is not just beautiful but also quite durable, ranking an impressive 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. We unveil here what a Spinel gemstone is, its properties, and why it’s gaining popularity in today's jewelry market.

Read on to find out all you need to know about this vibrant treasure from Mother Earth!

Key Takeaways

• Spinel gemstones come in various colors, including red, pink, orange, purple, blue, black, and clear.
• Spinel is a durable gemstone that can withstand daily wear and tear without getting easily damaged.
• It is formed deep within the Earth's crust and is often found alongside other precious gems like rubies and diamonds.
• Lab - created spinel gems are synthetic versions with the same characteristics as natural ones but are more affordable.
• To care for your spinel gemstone, clean it gently with warm soapy water and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or sudden temperature changes.
• Spinel gemstones are highly valued for their use in jewelry making and artistic creations due to their vibrant colors and historical significance.

 Where do you Buy Spinel Gemstones Wholesale? At Caldera Gem of course!

Properties of Spinel Gemstones

Spinel gemstones come in a variety of colors and are known for their durability, making them a popular choice in jewelry.

Color

Spinel gemstones shine in many colors. They can be red, pink, orange, purple, and blue. Some are even black or clear. These colors come from very tiny bits of other stuff found within the stone.

The red spinel is the most wanted color. It looks much like a ruby! But each color of spinel stands out in its own way because of its bright shine and deep hue.

Durability

Spinel gemstones are known for their excellent durability. They have good toughness, which means they can withstand daily wear and tear without easily getting damaged. This makes spinel a great choice for jewelry that is meant to be worn regularly.

Unlike some other gemstones, spinel doesn't require any special treatments or enhancements to improve its durability. Its colors and clarity are natural, adding to its value and appeal.

Spinel's durability also makes it a popular choice for artistic creations throughout history, where it has been used in various forms of jewelry and adornments.

In terms of hardness, spinel ranks 8 on the Mohs scale - not as hard as diamond but still quite tough compared to many other gemstones. Its toughness allows it to resist chipping or breaking when exposed to impact or pressure.

Origin

Spinel gemstones are formed deep within the Earth's crust. They are found in alluvial deposits, which means they are carried by water and deposited in riverbeds or along the shores of lakes and oceans.

Spinel is often found alongside other precious gems like rubies, diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds. Some famous spinel gemstones include the Black Prince's Ruby and Timur ruby, which were both mistakenly identified as rubies for centuries.

The origin of these stunning gemstones adds to their allure and value in jewelry and artistic creations.

Lab-Created

Lab-created spinel gemstones are synthetic versions of natural spinel. They are created in a laboratory using advanced technology to mimic the natural formation process. These lab-created gems have the same chemical composition and physical properties as natural spinel, but they can be produced with specific colors and clarity.

Lab-created spinel is more affordable than its natural counterpart, making it a popular choice for those on a budget or looking for unique colors not found in nature. It is important to note that lab-created spinels are not considered fake or imitation gemstones since they have the same characteristics as natural ones.

Care & Cleaning

To keep your spinel gemstone looking its best, follow these care and cleaning tips:

1. Gently clean your spinel gemstone using warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush.
2. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone.
3. Store your spinel jewelry separately from other pieces to prevent scratches.
4. Remove your spinel jewelry when engaging in activities that could expose it to chemicals or high impact.
5. Have your spinel gemstone checked and professionally cleaned by a jeweler regularly.
6. Keep your spinel away from direct sunlight or extreme temperature changes to maintain its color and clarity.
7. Avoid exposing your spinel to sudden temperature changes, as this can cause thermal shock and crack the stone.

Spinel Value and Uses

Spinel gemstones have significant value and are used for various purposes. Due to their vibrant colors and excellent durability, spinels are often used in jewelry making. They can be cut and faceted into beautiful gemstones that adorn rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

Spinel is also considered a collector's stone because of its rarity and historical significance.

In terms of value, high-quality spinel gemstones can be quite valuable, especially those with intense red or blue hues that closely resemble rubies or sapphires. While they may not reach the same prices as diamonds or emeralds, spinels still hold their own in the world of precious gemstones.

Apart from being used in jewelry, spinel is also valued for its use in artistic creations. Its captivating colors make it a favored choice among artists who incorporate gemstones into their designs.

Additionally, spinel has been historically treasured by royalty and nobility. Famous examples include the Black Prince's Ruby (which is actually a large spinel) and the Timur ruby.

Overall, whether it’s adorning someone's finger as part of an engagement ring or being showcased as a centerpiece in art pieces, spinel holds immense value both aesthetically and historically due to its beauty and versatility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, spinel is a beautiful gemstone with vibrant colors and excellent durability. It is not as hard as a diamond but still ranks high on the Mohs scale of hardness. Spinel has been used in jewelry for centuries and can be found naturally in alluvial deposits.

Its natural colors and clarity require no special treatments, making it a popular choice among gem enthusiasts.

FAQs

1. What is a Spinel gemstone?

A spinel gemstone is a precious stone and mineral crystal. It can be found in many colors.

2. What makes the color of the Spinel change?

The color of spinels can change because of chromophores, which are trace elements in the mineral.

3. Can you find Spinel naturally or it's just synthetic?

Both natural and synthetic versions of the Spinel gemstone exist. The natural ones are birthstones for August.

4. Is there a special kind of Spinel gemstone?

Yes, a type called 'Côte de' is highly valued due to its transparent quality and deep red color.