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Spinel is a crystalline mineral, known for its diverse range of colors and use as a durable gemstone. It's a magnesium aluminum oxide, often found in alluvial deposits alongside corundum (ruby and sapphire). Spinel is known for its brilliance and is a popular choice for jewelry due to its hardness (8 on the Mohs scale) and durability.

Here's a more detailed description:

Appearance:

• Colors:

  Spinel comes in a wide array of colors, including red, pink, lavender, violet, blue, green, brown, and black. Red spinel can be particularly vibrant, rivaling the color of rubies.

• Crystalline Structure:

  Spinel typically forms in octahedrons (two back-to-back pyramids) within the cubic crystal system.

• Clarity:

  It is often transparent, and some spinels can be very transparent, showing excellent brilliance when cut and polished.

• Luster:

  Spinel has a vitreous (glassy) luster.

Composition and Properties:

• Chemical Formula: The most common type of spinel has the chemical formula MgAl2O4.

• Hardness: Spinel ranks 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it a durable gem for jewelry.

• Refractive Index: Spinel has a refractive index of approximately 1.718.

• Specific Gravity: It has a specific gravity of around 3.60.

• Single Refractive: Spinel is singly refractive, meaning light passes through it without splitting into two rays.

Mining and Occurrence:

• Alluvial Deposits:

  Spinel is often found in alluvial deposits, similar to rubies and sapphires.

• Common Locations:

  It's found in Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Kenya.

• Misidentification:

  Historically, spinel has been mistaken for ruby and sapphire, particularly in historical crown jewels.

Uses:

• Gemstone: Spinel is a highly valued gemstone, known for its beauty and durability.

• Jewelry: It's a popular choice for all types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and earrings.

• Synthetic Spinel: Synthetic spinel is also produced for various applications, including imitations of other gemstones.