The Mahenge deposits were discovered only in the last few years at Mahenge in Tanzania. Until the find, most of the spinel found in east Africa was of lower quality and washed out colour. The colours found at Mahenge were so intense and vivid, that they have changed the perception of African Spinel completely. VS Grading SPINEL is a gemstone that is highly regarded by gem dealers and collectors, but is still largely unknown to the general public. Since the supply is too limited to supply most retail jewelers, you will rarely find spinel in your local jewelry store. Gem aficionadoes prize spinel for its brilliance, hardness and wide range of spectacular colors. In addition to beautiful rich reds, spinel can be found in a range of lovely pastel shades of pink, purple and blue. Type 1 Gemstones The following gemstones are typically inclusion free, even minor inclusions detract from their value. Diamond, Amethyst, Beryls(Aquamarine,Morganite), Citrine, Smoky Quartz, topaz, Chrysoberyl, Kunzite, Tanzanite, green Tourmaline, and Blue Zircon IF Internally flawless under extreme magnification (Very rare) F Flawless VVS Minute inclusions under 10x; invisible to the unaided eye VS Minor inclusions under 10x; usually invisible to the unaided eye SI1 Noticeable inclusions under 10x; usually visible to the unaided eye SI2 Noticeable inclusions under 10x; usually quite visible to the unaided eye I1 prominent- moderate affect on appearance or durability I2 prominent - severe affect on appearance or durability I3 prominent- severe affect on beauty, transparency or durability Type 2 Gemstones Gemstones that normally have small inclusions that do not detract from value. Alexandrite, Andalusite, Iolite, Peridot, Rhodolite, Ruby, Sapphire, Spinel, Tourmaline, Garnet, Amethyst, Red Zircon, Tsavorite; Blue, Orange, Purple, Fluorite.Yellow and Parti-colored Tourmaline F Flawless VVS Minor inclusions under 10x; usually invisible to the unaided eye VS Noticeable inclusions under 10x; often invisible to the unaided eye SI1 Obvious inclusions under 10x; visible to the unaided eye SI2 Obvious inclusions under 10x; very apparent to the unaided eye I1 prominent - moderate affect on appearance or durability I2 prominent - severe affect on appearance or durability I3 prominent - severe affect on beauty, transparency or durability