What is Spinel?

The Rare Natural Gemstone Celebrated for its Colour and Durability.

A Natural Gemstone of Striking Beauty

Spinel is a rare and naturally occurring gemstone admired for its vivid colours, exceptional brilliance, and durability. With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, it is perfect for fine jewellery such as engagement rings, earrings, pendants, and more.

Spinel forms deep within the Earth’s crust, naturally growing over millions—even billions—of years. Although historically mistaken for ruby, spinel is now recognised as a prestigious gem in its own right. It has recently been added as an official August birthstone and is traditionally gifted for the 22nd wedding anniversary.

Why Mogok Spinel Is Considered the Finest

Unlike many other gemstones, natural spinel is rarely treated, meaning its vivid colours are entirely formed by nature. While spinel is mined in several countries, the most sought-after specimens come from Mogok, Myanmar—a legendary source known for producing spinels with exceptional saturation, high clarity, and historic prestige.

Mogok spinel is widely recognised as the most valuable and prestigious source among collectors and gem experts.

Other respected origins include Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Tanzania, but Mogok remains unmatched for its purity, provenance, and rarity.

Famous Spinels in History

Spinel has long been admired—although often misidentified. One of the most famous is the 170-carat Black Prince’s Ruby, which adorns the British Imperial State Crown. Another, the 361-carat Timur Ruby, was gifted to Queen Victoria and later confirmed to be spinel.

The largest known spinel, the Samarian Spinel, weighs 500 carats and is part of the Iranian Crown Jewels.

Types of Spinel

There are four types of spinel in the gemstone market:

1. Natural Spinel

Formed naturally in metamorphic rocks like marble, natural spinel is the rarest and most valuable. Each gem reflects geological processes that span millions of years.

2. Synthetic Spinel

Lab-created but chemically identical to natural spinel. These are widely available and more affordable, often found in decorative or fashion jewellery.

3. Simulant Spinel

Lookalikes made from different materials, such as cubic zirconia or synthetic moissanite. They resemble spinel but are chemically unrelated.

4. Composite Spinel

Made by fusing fragments of natural and synthetic spinel together. These are of lower value and are not considered fine-quality gems.

Believed Benefits of Spinel

Throughout history, natural gemstones have been associated with healing and symbolic meaning. Spinel is believed to have a calming energy, said to relieve stress, uplift the spirit, and bring hope during difficult times.