Spinel is the great imposter of gemstone history: many famous rubies in crown jewels around the world are actually Spinel. In Burma, where some of the most beautiful colors are mined, Spinel was recognized as a separate gem species as early as 1587. In other countries the masquerade lasted for hundreds of years after that.

Now treasured for its own sake, Spinel is a favorite of gem dealers and gem collectors due to its brilliance, hardness and wide range of spectacular colors. In addition to beautiful rich reds, Spinel can be found in a range of beautiful pastel shades of pink and purple. Of particular interest is a vivid hot pink with a tinge of orange that is mined in Burma that is one of the most spectacular gemstone colors in any gem species. Spinel also comes in beautiful blues which are sometimes called cobalt Spinel, but these are very very rare.

Fine Spinels are now more rare than the rubies they used to imitate. Strangely, they are also more affordable: In the gem world, too rare can be a drawback because so few people get a chance appreciate these gem varieties.

Spinel is considered a Type 2 gemstone

Type 2 Description: Usually eye clean with some inclusions under magnification.

FANTASTIC ROUND FACET CHANGE ORANGE TO RED SPINEL

Weight: 1.10 CT.
Size: 6.3 MM.

Color: Change Orange To Red

Clarity: Clean

Origin: Burma

Item # 400100001011

$150.00/ct. US

Price: $165.00 US

GORGEOUS ROUND FACET RARE GREEN SPINEL

Weight: 1.31 CT.
Size: 6.8 MM.

Color: Rare Green

Clarity: Clean

Origin: Burma

Item # 400100001097

$180.00/ct. US

Price: $235.80 US

FANTASTIC ROUND FACET FINE PURPLE SPINEL

Weight: 0.90 CT.
Size: 5.8 MM.

Color: Fine Purple

Clarity: Clean

Origin: Burma

Item # 400100001073

$45.00/ct. US

Price: $40.50 US

SUPERIOR ROUND FACET BRIGHT PINK SPINEL

Weight: 0.56 CT.
Size: 5 MM.

Color: Bright Pink

Clarity: Clean

Origin: Burma

Item # 400100001059

$60.00/ct. US

Price: $33.60 US