spinel
or spi·nelle
Origin of spinel
Words nearby spinel
MORE ABOUT SPINEL
What does spinel mean?
Spinel is the name for a kind of mineral and a variety of the mineral that’s used as a gemstone, especially a red-colored one.
The word can be used to refer to a gemstone, as in I want a ring with a spinel, or the mineral material, This is made of spinel. It’s sometimes spelled as spinelle or spinell.
Spinel can come in deep or pastel shades of red, pink, purple, blue, and black. Black spinel is rare and very valuable.
The red variety is similar in tone, color, and transparency to rubies, the blue variety is similar to sapphires, and spinels are sometimes mistaken for or sold as a less expensive substitute for these more expensive gems. Some famous gemstones once thought to be rubies have actually been correctly identified as spinels.
Spinel is one of the birthstones for the month of August. It is associated with the zodiac signs Leo and Virgo.
Example: Most people think the stone in my ring is a ruby, but it’s actually a deep red spinel.
Where does spinel come from?
The first records of the word spinel come from the 1500s. It comes from the French spinelle and the Italian spinella, a diminutive of the Latin spina, meaning “thorn” (a reference to the shape of the crystals).
The mineral spinel is composed of oxides of magnesium, aluminum, iron, manganese, chromium, and other elements. Since the magnesium oxide base is colorless, any color is due to the presence of other elements, such as zinc, iron, or aluminum. Spinel gemstones used for jewelry are found in igneous rocks, granite pegmatites, and some limestone deposits.
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How is spinel used in real life?
Spinel is not a particularly well-known gemstone—the red variety is sometimes mistaken for or used as a replacement for ruby.
Fabulous deep red spinel crystal on albite in marble from Ohngaing, Mogok, Myanmar.
Photo: Fine mineral photography#minerals #crystals pic.twitter.com/tsa8TSx2rW
— Geology Tweets (@GeologyTime) July 15, 2019
Pink Spinel is called the “Fairy Godmother” stone and also a good gift for your love one. It's holding the continuing love and protection of the giver.
Berry Pink Spinel Ring 3CT G228#spinel #pinkspinel #gift #love #gems #gemstones #gemstonejewelry #singapore #autiumjewels pic.twitter.com/CanhazvM4r— Autium Jewels (@autiumjewels) December 5, 2020
Inspired by romantic dreams, this natural pear shape lavander Spinel ring is our latest masterpiece! Fashioned in rose and white gold band and prongs with an elegant halo of brilliant cut diamonds.
This ring is definitely a show stopper!
Style: 147339-2.63CT pic.twitter.com/YkHkTgKgkQ
— La Mine d'Or (@laminedor) August 20, 2020
Try using spinel!
True or False?
Spinels are only red.