Welcome to SuchenGems!

Spinel is a gem and mineral, typically known for its vibrant colors and hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. It's a member of a group of rock-forming minerals that are metal oxides with the general composition ABO, where A can be magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, or nickel, and B can be aluminum, chromium, or iron. Spinel's most common color is red, but it can also be found in shades of blue, green, brown, black, pink, and even colorless.

Here's a more detailed description:

Composition and Structure:

• Spinel has a chemical formula of MgAl2O4, meaning it's composed of magnesium, aluminum, and oxygen.

• It belongs to the cubic crystal system and typically forms octahedron-shaped crystals (two back-to-back pyramids).

• The spinel group is divided into three series based on the element in the "B" position: aluminum-spinel, chromium-spinel (chromite), and iron-spinel (magnetite).

Color:

• Spinel's color is primarily due to trace elements like chromium, iron, and cobalt.

• Intense reds and pinks are often caused by chromium, while mixtures of iron and chromium can result in orange and purple stones.

• Violet to blue spinel is colored by iron, and vibrant blues can be due to cobalt.

• Some spinels can also appear greenish, brown, black, or even colorless.

Physical Properties:

• Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale (durable for jewelry).

• Specific Gravity: 3.60.

• Refractive Index: 1.718.

• Transparency: Generally transparent to translucent.

• Cleavage: No true cleavage (making it less likely to fracture easily).

• Crystal System: Cubic.

Occurrence and Uses:

• Spinel is found in various geological settings, including gravel deposits, metamorphic rocks, and some igneous rocks.

• It's a popular gemstone, often used in jewelry due to its hardness and vibrant colors.

• Some notable spinel locations include Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Kenya.

• Historically, red spinels were often mistaken for rubies due to their similar color.

• The fine, intense red spinels from Mogok, Myanmar are known as "anyant pan" and are highly prized.