Afghanistan's Ruby and Spinel Mines

Afghanistan's ruby/spinel mines are one of the great mysteries of gemology. Historically, rubies and red spinels have been produced from four areas

Spinel from Afghanistan

New spinels ranging in colour from purple to pink and red were found and described from mining sites in the Kokcha valley at or near Pitawak and close to the

Mined from the prestigious origins of Badakhshan, Afghanistan, these Spinel gemstones boast clarity levels ranging from Eye Clean to Slightly Included, making them suitable for various jewelry designs. The elongated hexagonal shape adds a distinctive charm, perfect for creating bespoke jewelry pieces

Spinel is commonly fluorescent in ultraviolet light, and this can be quite useful in its identification

Spinel is a transparent to opaque gem, with colors as vivid as ruby-like reds, some darker "brick" red, and some almost orange. Spinel comes in blue, with the finest stones comparable to that of sapphires, and considered extremely rare