BRIGHT MAHENGE SPINEL

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.

VVS Grading

Weight 1.35 cts app

Size7.56 x 5.67 x 4.18 mm

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