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Spinel is a hard, crystalline mineral that is used as a gemstone and is known for its wide range of colors:

Composition

Spinel is made up of magnesium and aluminum, with the chemical formula MgAl2O4.

Color

Spinel can be colorless, or it can range in color from red to lavender, violet, blue, green, brown, or black. The color of spinel is often due to chromium, similar to rubies and emeralds.

Crystal shape

Spinel crystals are octahedrons, which look like two pyramids back-to-back.

Hardness

Spinel has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gem for jewelry.

Transparency

Spinel can be transparent to opaque, with a vitreous to dull luster.

Discovery

Before modern science, spinels and rubies were often confused for each other, and many famous "rubies" of history were actually spinels.

Birthstone

Spinel was recently added as an August birthstone, sharing the month with peridot and sardonyx.