Who is suitable for spinel jewelry?

It is often compared to a ruby, which is not at all surprising, since it is almost impossible to distinguish them from each other without special training. Its rarity, hardness, magnificent shine and excellent glow after cutting leave neither jewelers nor ordinary people indifferent. We are talking about spinel – a precious mineral that will never lose value.

History of spinel stone

The name of the mineral goes back to the Latin word “spinella”, which means “thorn” or “thorn” and indicates the pointed appearance of the crystals. In the old days, spinel was called “carbuncles”, and the designation “lal” was also popular. Spinel was first mentioned in documents from the 9th century, which mentioned the mining of this stone in Palmyra. The following trace was found in the notes of Marcus Polo, 18th century. Spinel adorns a number of royal regalia. For example, the legendary Great Imperial Crown, which was worn by all Russian monarchs from 1762 to 1917. Spinel also shines on the crown of English monarchs, which you will learn about in our article below.

Physical and chemical properties

• ruby spinel – ruby ​​red color;
• rubicella – has an orange-red tint;
• ruby-bale – rare pink color;
• oriental amethyst – bright purple hue;
• sapphire-spinel – painted sapphire blue.

Sapphire spinel can have the so-called “Alexandrite effect”, in which changing natural light to artificial light changes the perception of the color of the stone: from blue it turns into purple-violet.

Ruby spinel

It is worth mentioning separately about ruby ​​spinel, which is the most expensive on the jewelry market: its cost varies from $20 to $000 per carat. The first information about a stone similar to a ruby ​​is found in documents of the 50th century, but since then the trace of the red mineral has been lost: there is no mention of it either in the Bible, or in the Koran (the most important historical sources), or in the works of philosophers. Until the mid-000th century, the red variety of spinel was not distinguished from ruby. It was then that it became known that the “Black Prince” (“ruby” in the crown of the British Empire) was a different mineral.

The “Black Prince” belonged to Prince Edward of Wales, who credited the stone for all his battles. That is why Henry V, who received the pseudoruby after the death of Edward, considered it his talisman. And this was not a simple superstition; the stone really saved the owner’s life. The fact is that Henry turned the spinel into a decoration for his helmet, and in one of the battles, when a sword fell on the king’s head, the red gem took the entire blow. The stone was eventually placed in the center of the ruler’s crown.

Where is spinel mined?

Only a few deposits give the world gem-quality spinel. It is noteworthy that spinel deposits are accompanied by rubies, which previously created even greater confusion in establishing the differences between these two stones.

The best specimens of red spinel are mined in Myanmar and Tanzania, while Tanzania is the absolute leader in the extraction of this unique stone – the largest and brightest nuggets are found here.

Spinel from Myanmar

Myanmar brings to the world not only rubies of the highest quality, but also spinel, which occurs here in the form of excellent octahedra. Miners find not only bright red, but also orange, pink, blue and purple specimens in local lands.

Ring “Joy of Dreams”

Spinel (Burma) 2,30 carats

By choosing a discreet style as an axiom of elegance for the “Joy of Dreams” ring, the designers were able to create a piece of jewelry “without weak points.” A stylish owner who understands refined minimalism as the quintessence of taste will be able to enjoy the beauty of a precious creation during the day and fully feel its magical power at night, plunging into colorful dreams.

The purest spinel weighing 2,30 carats, mined in Burma, helped the jewelers combine such a mass of advantages into one piece of jewelry. An elite gemstone that meets the high standards adopted by the Maxim Demidov jewelry house, is distinguished by a deep purple hue, bestowed by nature on a few of its creations.

The depth of the central gem is perfectly emphasized by a duo of sparkling diamonds. They subtly contrast with the Burmese crystal and further reveal its noble beauty, which will be appreciated by both lovers of exclusivity and those who understand the investment value of precious stones.

Earrings “Voices of Angels”

Spinel (Burma) (2) 4,44 carats

The designer earrings “Voices of Angels”, which leave a particularly impressive impression in combination with the ring of the same name, impress with a truly beautiful baroque “façade” and the inner, deep magic of delightful precious stones.

This harmony of external and spiritual content is reminiscent of the moment when, under the arches of a majestic cathedral, you feel the invisible presence of angels blessing the fulfillment of your deepest desires. The phenomenal beauty and energetic power of the designer earrings with complex openwork frames made of white gold are contained in the culmination of two purest spinels with a total weight of 4,44 carats.

The vibrant brilliance of the Burmese minerals, whose rich purple color reveals soft pink notes that embody the femininity of the large crystals, contrasts perfectly with the transparent clarity of the numerous diamonds. This visualization of the attraction of opposites looks very impressive, which will enable the owner of a jewelry masterpiece to further emphasize her delicate taste.

Ring “Voices of Angels”

Spinel (Burma) 2,98 carats

The deep, precious sound of each element of the luxurious “Voice of Angels” ring creates that indescribable atmosphere of decoration, which is characteristic only of truly outstanding masterpieces, such as, for example, in the world of architecture such baroque cathedrals as Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence or the Duomo in Milan .

Composed of white gold, the creation of jewelers literally and figuratively demonstrates in the best light the unique main accent – the purest spinel, whose complex color, formed by rich violet and light pink, is reminiscent of a beautiful sunset over the golden domes, when it seems that along with the last sunny The voices of angels are heard like rays above the earth.

The colorful brilliance of the 2,98-carat central mineral contrasts spectacularly with the sparkling diamonds surrounding it. They are like grains of happiness that complement the bright picture of a cloudless life that the exclusive “Voices of Angels” ring with a collectible spinel as its quintessence promises the owner.

November 19, 2019 Spinel is a rare mineral with a rich palette of shades; it can be translucent or opaque. It is characterized by high hardness, glassy luster, and octahedral shape. Among the many varieties of the mineral, noble spinel is highly prized – transparent crystals of beautiful colors, such as deep red or deep blue. Colored transparent specimens are used in jewelry as precious stones.

History and meaning of spinel stone

The modern name of the stone is taken from the German language; spinel was previously known as alabandine, and in the Middle Ages it was called “lal”. Mentions of this mineral are found in records dating back to the 9th century AD.

There are two versions regarding the origin of the word “spinell”:

• From the Greek word for “spark”, due to its resemblance to the prickly shine of stone.
• From the Latin word “spina” – thorn, due to its resemblance to spiky spinel crystals.

These stones are used to decorate Monomakh’s cap and the Wittelbach crown, although previously it was assumed that these were rubies. The most famous deposits are located in Thailand, Vietnam, India, and Australia. Valuable red specimens are found in Myanmar, blue gems are mined in Sri Lanka.

Spinel colors

• Noble spinel can be of various shades – blue, red, pink, purple, orange-red, green. Bright red specimens are called ruby ​​spinel, blue crystals are called sapphire spinel. There are specimens with an alexandrite effect that change color depending on the lighting.
• Ordinary spinel can be dark green, dark brown, black, blue-black.

There are also other types of spinel: chrome, ganite, automolite, chlorspinel, surik. The color of such specimens can be quite bright – the gem is violet, chlorspinel is bright green.

Physical properties of spinel

The mineral belongs to the class of oxides and is a mixed oxide of aluminum and magnesium. Crystals are octahedral, less often dodecahedral in shape. They can be either transparent or opaque – the light transmittance of the stone changes when aluminum and magnesium ions in the crystal lattice are replaced by ions of other metals.

• The stone is quite hard – 7,5-8 on the Mohs scale.
• The mineral is fragile and is easily damaged when hitting a hard surface.
• The sparkle of glass crystals. Sometimes asterism and luminescence are observed.
• Due to its natural fragility, the mineral requires careful handling.

Jewelry with spinel should be removed during physical work, not allowed to come into contact with detergents and cosmetics, and not thrown away. It is worth storing such jewelry in a separate box with soft walls and taking it to a jewelry workshop every six months for professional cleaning (you can clean it at home with a mild soap solution and a soft brush once every 3-4 months).

How to distinguish natural from artificial spinel

For the average person, it is impossible to distinguish a natural gem from a fake – without the appropriate qualifications and experience, you will not see the differences. Although, if the crystal looks perfect upon careful examination, this is a reason to be wary, because natural stone has the smallest inclusions and defects. You can focus on the price – a natural gem will cost no less than $20 per 1 carat, and rare specimens of pure blue and red colors can cost hundreds of dollars per 1 carat.

An adequate price can serve as a guide, but it cannot be considered a guarantee of quality. Only a professional can verify the authenticity of a stone. Buy stone from stores that can provide a quality certificate for it.

What zodiac sign suits spinel?

Aquarians should not wear jewelry with spinel – they may develop depression. Cancers and Scorpios have dulled intuition, they become too relaxed and even apathetic.

Jewelry with spinel is unconditionally suitable for Leos. This is an ideal coincidence when the energy of the stone will complement the energy of a person and strengthen it. If Leo regularly wears a talisman jewelry, he will have good luck in all matters and his innate charm will increase. You can wear such jewelry from time to time, it will also have an effect – especially during periods of depression and loss of strength, when energy replenishment is needed.

• Sagittarius and Aries can also wear jewelry with an overcoat – the stone will give these zodiac signs strength to set and achieve goals, improve intellectual abilities and increase physical endurance.
• Libra, Pisces and Taurus will receive peace of mind and improved physical health from spinel.
• For Virgos and Capricorns, the talisman stone can bring additional energy and optimism.
• Gemini and spinel are in a neutral relationship – the stone will not harm, but you should not expect bright positive effects either. It is important to pay attention to the sensations from contact with the stone – if Gemini is comfortable, then this instance of the mineral will bring peace of mind.

For whom is spinel suitable?

• Spinel is a stone for travelers and people who, due to their profession, must make quick decisions.
• The crystal will help public figures who work for the benefit of the people – relieve shyness, increase sociability and personal attractiveness.
• People whose daily work involves stress should wear a spinel ring and look at the gem during particularly stressful moments. Gradually, thoughts will become orderly, emotions will stop raging.
• The mineral will help creative people find inspiration; with such a talisman, artists and musicians have many new ideas.

Jewelry with spinel can be a powerful talisman, but you should not abuse its help – the mineral is capricious and does not tolerate greedy and selfish people. But he will certainly appreciate the respectful and caring attitude, attracting various “gifts of fate” into the owner’s life.

The magical properties of spinel stone

The value of the mineral is that as a talisman it can attract and create favorable conditions for its owner. Spinel is spoken of as a stone of good luck, and if it suits a person’s energy, that person is lucky. Among the magical abilities of the crystal:

• It relieves the owner from loneliness, helps to see friends among others and find a loved one.
• Capable of bringing happiness if the owner’s thoughts are pure. Immoral, greedy people should not place high hopes on the gem – it will not help.
• Strengthens intuition, reveals the gift of foresight in a person. Can warn of upcoming events – for example, causing prophetic dreams.

The stone best reveals its properties in earrings or a ring that can be worn on the index or ring finger. Spinel loves gold frames.

The healing properties of spinel stone

This gem was used for medicinal purposes back in Ancient Rus’; Paracelsus also prepared medicinal powder from it. Modern lithotherapists confirm the presence of healing qualities in spinel. It is recommended to be used in certain cases:

• Decoration with a red gem enhances male strength and helps women increase attractiveness.
• Red spinel is suitable for cleansing the blood, improving blood circulation and stopping bleeding.
• Blue or green stone is useful for overall strengthening of the body and increasing immunity.
• The green gem is needed to improve vision, in particular, helps with myopia.
• Blue and pink specimens are chosen as an assistant in the fight against infectious and inflammatory diseases.
• Green crystal can relieve joint and muscle pain, headaches, and help with hypertension.

Spinels of different colors are united by positive energy – these stones are ready to give additional energy to their owners, attract good luck into their lives and improve health. If the gem “accepts” a person, it will become a faithful assistant and talisman.

There are few deposits of spinel on the planet, and specimens of beautiful flowers are rare – they are highly valued. The stones are considered a good investment – along with the demand for jewelry with noble spinel, their price increases.