Spinel Gemstone
The Black Prince’s Ruby in front of the Imperial State Crown of the United Kingdom
Not so long ago, this precious gemstone, Spinel was unheard of. It has gained great recognised for its exceptional brilliance and hardness. Spinel does not require any additional enhancement, as compared to sapphire and ruby. Common heat-treated to enhance its colour and clarity. This process of heat treatment generally affects their value as compared to natural untreated sapphire and ruby.
Spinel: The Hidden Gem
Vivid Colour Spectrum
Spinel rough can usually be found in similar deposits of ruby or sapphire. Sometimes closely connected to corundum character. Which is why, the vivid red colour was mistaken as ruby, and the royal blue colour was mistaken as sapphire for decades. As a result, many spinels are now custom set in very important jewellery collections based on their incorrect identification as ruby and sapphire. You see spinel in a wide range of beautiful colours, hot vivid pink to mystery yet sparkle grey shade.
One of the differences is that spinel gemstones are singly refractive, unlike rubies and sapphire which are doubly refractive. Diamond is another gemstone with singly refractive, which have only one refractive index. Known as an isometric system, spinel crystalises in the cubic crystal, making them highly symmetrical. This internal structure in the gemstone, gives unique physical properties, such as a good hardness and reflective index.
Mahenge Spinel
Spinel is known for its vivid red colour, often referred to as ‘pigeon blood ruby,‘ and in recent years, it has gained recognition for its new hot pink and orangy red varieties. The intense red spinel sourced from Burma, and the neon pink-red are none other from Tanzania, a town called Mahenge.
In the year 2007, all eyes focused on Mahenge as the town mined a giant crystal of spinel weighing 52kg. They were in the limelight, for their vibrant hot pink and unique orangy-red colour shades. Combine with the singular refractive index same as diamond, they sparkle at all angles.
Today Mahenge spinel, are no stranger to gemstone collectors or the general public. The remarkable neon look in the gemstone, like the Brazil paraiba tourmaline, is one of a kind.
Cobalt Spinel
Cobalt spinel referring to specific colour shade of colour that belongs to the spinel mineral family. Which also found in Tanzania origin similarly to the Mahenge pink spinel. It is a variety of spinel that gets its name from the presence of cobalt. Which imparts a vivid blue colour to the stone.
The most desirable colour for cobalt is a rich, saturated blue with no hints of green or grey. The colour can vary from light to dark blue, and the most valuable stones exhibit a neon-ish blue similar to cornflower sapphire.
Its intense vivid blue neon-ish hue highly values cobalt from Luc Yen in Northern Vietnam, primarily determined by its colour, with the most vivid blue stones being the most valuable.
Overhype in Cobalt Spinel
However there could be an overhype in cobalt spinel as new rough from Tanzania, Sri Lanka certified cobalt colour are highly priced from USD $6,000 $15,000. Please be cautious when considering it as there are other gemstone available with beautiful colour shades. None other than unheated blue sapphire in cornflower or royal blue shade.
Investment
High excellent durability and hardness of 8.5, like diamonds, spinel gemstones have cubic crystals. While diamonds have perfect cleavage, this gemstone has an indistinct cleavage that enhances their durability and vivid colour
If you are trying to look for spinel, as an investment or as a collectable gemstone. Prices have increased throughout the years, as it is an all-time favourite in the eyes of investors, collectors and of cause jewellery lovers.
Customised Jewellery & Engagement Ring
Due to the excellent qualities of spinel gemstones, such as visually & compositionally. This natural gem is ideal for all types of everyday jewelry designs. The fire contrast and remarkable brilliance, especially with accents set of diamonds in gold designs are very great to wear. So if you are one of those individuals who really love customised jewellery, or exploring new gemstone.
Experience the unmatched brilliance and vibrant hues of spinel gemstones at GIOIA Fine Jewellery, Singapore’s top custom jeweller specialising in rare coloured gemstones. From mysterious greyish blues to vivid neon pinks, our custom designs are perfect for every occasion. Drop by today and discover the perfect spinel gem to add to your collection!
