Spinel Meaning and Properties
Spinel History
It wasn't long ago that spinel was thought to be a ruby due to its lustrous orange-red color. Mineralogist Jean-Baptiste Louis Romé de L’Isle was able to identify differences between rubies and spinel minerals in 1783. Multiple stones previously assumed to be rubies are now able to be identified as spinel. There are two spinel gems, in fact, in the English Crown Jewels. Although spinel appears in a variety of colors such as pink, blue, purple and black, the brilliant reds are most popular and are sometimes referred to as "flame spinel." Spinel deposits occur all over the world, but Southeast Asia was known in ancient times for exceptionally large spinel formations. Spinel has been added as an alternative August birthstone in recent years.
What are the Metaphysical Properties of Spinel?
Diamonds are the gemstone most people associate first with love, but perhaps red spinel should be. Spinel gems are said to help a person set aside ego and become devoted to another person. Like most fiery red stones, spinel meaning is linked to great passion, devotion and longevity. Spinel is associated with the root chakra , making it effective in increasing physical energy and stamina. It seems spinel meaning is also tied to mental stamina, as it is said to reduce forgetfulness and boost intellectual power.
What is Spinel Made From?
Spinel minerals are a magnesium aluminum oxide with varying other impurities that affect color. The presence of chromium results in red, pink and orange spinel. Spinel gemstones have isometric crystal systems. This gem is famous for spinel twinning, where two octahedral crystals twin together at the base. Spinel gemstones range in opacity from transparent to opaque, and the luster can be vitreous, submetallic or dull.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How Do You Clean Spinel?
Spinel is a hardy stone with a Mohs hardness of 8. There are multiple gemstone cleaning techniques that are safe for spinel. Steam cleaners and ultrasonic machines are both safe methods. Typically, however, an untreated soft cloth and soapy water will be enough. It is not recommended to boil spinel as a cleaning method. Since spinel has a high Mohs hardness, store this gemstone away from softer gems so as not to mar the surface of those gemstones.
Spinel FAQ
Q: Is spinel mistaken for ruby?
A: From ancient times, spinel was mistaken for ruby. It was only in 1783 that the science progressed to the point of distinguishing between the two.
Q: Is spinel only red in color?
A: Although spinel’s most popular color is red, its color depends on its inclusions and can be shades of pink, blue, purple and black as well. Only yellow and yellow-green varieties do not exist in nature.
Q: Is spinel considered a precious gemstone?
A: Spinel is considered a precious gemstone.
Q: In its pure form, is spinel colorless?
A: Although in its pure state, spinel is colorless, it is rarely found in that state naturally.
Q: Does spinel require treatments like most other gemstones do?
A: Spinel usually does not require any treatment to enhance its natural brilliance, however, occasionally it may be enhanced with heat treatment to improve color and remove inclusions, or it maybe treated with resin, oil or glass to fill fractures.
Designing with Spinel
Since spinel occurs in multiple colors, this gemstone is a versatile addition to jewelry designs. Black spinel provides sophistication alongside pearls or clear gemstones such as quartz crystal. Fiery-red spinel stands out against black gemstones such as jet and silver beads. Red spinel can be used to create Christmas jewelry when paired with green gems such as emerald. Turquoise is a great pairing as well, still playing on the contrasting color scheme without looking too much like a holiday design.
Design Inspirations to Get You Started
Shop for Spinel
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
How did you like this resource? Your feedback helps us provide resources that matter to you most.
Copyright Permissions
All works of authorship (articles, videos, tutorials and other creative works) are from the Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® Collection, and permission to copy is granted for non-commercial educational purposes only. All other reproduction requires written permission. For more information, please email copyrightpermission@firemtn.com.