• Spinel has long been mistaken for ruby by emperors and monarchs. Many of the famous “rubies” of history were actually spinels.
• One of the most famous rubies that turned out to be spinel is the “Black Prince’s Ruby” set in England’s Imperial State Crown on display in the Tower of London.
• Spinel offers a range of hues, from orange to intense “stoplight” red, vibrant pink, and all shades of purple, blue, and violet through bluish green.
• The variety of colors of spinel are due to trace elements. Red and pink spinel have trace amounts of chromium, the more chromium the more intense the color. A mixture of iron and chromium causes orange and purple stones. Violet to blue stones contain trace amounts of iron and vibrant blue spinel contain trace amounts of cobolt.
• Until recently, spinel was an underappreciated gem with little consumer recognition. Increasing demand for ruby alternatives rekindled appreciation for spinel’s rich red color and history.
• Synthetic spinel is often used as an imitation for other gems including rubies, sapphires, and diamonds.
• Spinel has only been a birthstone for August since 2016.

Website by Sonia McDowall