General Overview

Spinel from Madagascar is highly regarded in the gem trade for its vivid colors, excellent clarity, and rarity. Madagascar’s deposits—particularly around Ilakaka, Mahenge, and Andranondambo—produce some of the finest quality spinels in the world.

Color

• Wide spectrum:
  

  • Red & Pink Spinel – often vivid, comparable to Burmese quality.

  • Blue Spinel – from cobalt-bearing deposits, showing intense, pure blues.

  • Lavender, Violet, and Purple Spinel – softer tones, sometimes with a grey modifier.

• Color often rivals or exceeds that of sapphires and rubies.

Crystal & Structure

• Mineral: Magnesium aluminum oxide (MgAl2O4).

• Crystal System: Cubic (isometric).

• Often forms in octahedral crystals with naturally sharp edges.

Clarity & Luster

• Transparent to opaque.

• Typically very clean; inclusions are less common than in corundum.

• Exhibits a bright vitreous luster when polished.

Hardness & Durability

• Mohs hardness: 8.0 (excellent durability for jewelry).

• No cleavage, which makes it resistant to cracking.

Optical Properties

• Refractive Index: ~1.718

• Singly refractive, with no pleochroism.

• Strong dispersion, contributing to its brilliance.

Sources in Madagascar

• Ilakaka – known for vivid pinks, purples, and blues.

• Andranondambo – produces cobalt-blue spinel.

• Bekily – known for saturated pink to red spinels.

Market Appeal

• Madagascar spinels have gained international attention since the late 1990s.

• Often untreated, making them more desirable to collectors.

• Cobalt-blue spinel from Madagascar is among the rarest and most expensive spinel varieties.

Metaphysical (non-scientific)

• Symbolizes vitality, energy renewal, and inspiration.

• Traditionally worn as a talisman for strength and protection.