Spinel

Spinel is a popular gemstone that has a long history of use and is valued for its beauty and durability. It has been prized for thousands of years and was often confused with other precious gems such as ruby and sapphire.

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It was used in the medieval courts of Europe and was often set into royal jewelry and crowns. Some of the most famous spinel gems include the Black Prince's Ruby, a large red spinel set into the British Crown, and the Timur Ruby, a large pink spinel that is part of the British Crown Jewels.

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People born in August are believed to benefit from Spinel's properties, which include protection, strength, and a boost in energy levels.

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It is known for its vibrant colors, durability, and brilliance. In terms of care, spinel is a durable and hardy gemstone that is suitable for everyday wear. It has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it resistant to scratches and chips. However, it should be protected from sharp blows and strong chemicals, which can damage the surface.

Spinel is a mineral that occurs in nature and is found in several countries including Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. It forms in a variety of crystal shapes and is often found in metamorphic rocks such as marbles and mica schists.

The value of Spinel is influenced by several factors, including its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.

 

Generally, Spinel is less expensive than precious gems such as Ruby and Sapphire, but it can still command high prices depending on its quality.

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Spinel in rich, saturated hues of red, pink, and blue are considered the most valuable and are priced similarly to fine quality Rubies and Sapphires. On the other hand, Spinel in pale or grayish colors tend to be less valuable.

 

Clarity is also an important factor in determining Spinel's value. Eye-clean stones, with no visible inclusions, are more valuable than those with inclusions.

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Cutting and finish also affect Spinel's value. Well-cut stones that exhibit good brightness and fire are more valuable than poorly cut stones. The carat weight of Spinel also affects its price, with larger stones typically being more valuable than smaller ones.

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In general, Spinel is a relatively affordable gemstone that offers good value for its price. With proper care, it can last for generations and make a beautiful addition to any jewelry collection.