Spinel is a gemstone known for its vibrant colors and remarkable brilliance. It is a mineral that comes in a wide range of hues, including red, pink, blue, violet, and black, with red spinels historically being confused with rubies due to their similar appearance. Spinel’s colors are caused by trace elements such as chromium (red) and cobalt (blue), and its clarity can range from transparent to slightly cloudy.

Spinel is a highly durable gemstone with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear in rings, necklaces, and other jewelry. It is often cut into various shapes, including cushion, oval, and round, to maximize its color and brilliance.

Notably, spinel is a gemstone that has long been underappreciated compared to other gemstones, like sapphires or rubies, but has recently gained more recognition for its stunning beauty. Historically, it was often mistaken for ruby and was used in crowns and royal jewelry. The gem is found in regions such as Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan.

Despite its beauty and durability, spinel is considered a relatively rare and valuable gemstone, especially in larger sizes or rare colors such as blue or vivid red.