ruby spinel

American  

noun

Mineralogy.

1. a deep red, transparent variety of spinel, used as a gem.

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ruby spinel British  

noun

1. a red transparent variety of spinel, used as a gemstone

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Etymology

Origin of ruby spinel

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Similarly, ruby can at once be distinguished from even the finest garnet or ruby spinel, as the last two are singly refracting.

From Project Gutenberg

The "rubies" of the poet's time were frequently ruby spinels, or the so-called "balas rubies" from Badakshan, in Afghan Turkestan.

From Project Gutenberg

The peculiar yellowish character of the red color led us to suspect ruby spinel.

From Project Gutenberg