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Spinel is the great imposter of gemstone history: many famous rubies in crown jewels around the world are actually spinel. The most famous is the Black Prince's Ruby, a magnificent 170-carat red spinel that currently adorns the Imperial State Crown in the British Crown Jewels after a long history: Henry V even wore it on his battle helmet! The Timur Ruby, a 352-carat red spinel now owned by Queen Elizabeth, has the names of some of the Mughal emperors who previously owned it engraved on its face, an undeniable pedigree!

Spinel is misunderstood by most people. The simple reason for this is that some years ago, synthetic white spinel was used in cheap jewellery, usually eternity rings as a diamond substitute.Spinel is not a synthetic stone.It is a real, natural, attractive and rare gemstone in its own right.In Centuries ago, in Sanskrit writings,Spinel  was called the daughter of Ruby, adored, yet somehow different. Spinel also grace the Crown Jewels of Great Britain as the "Black Prince Ruby" and have resided in the regalia of kingdoms throughout history.

Spinel occurs in many different and attractive colours. Red, rose, orange, brown, pink, yellow, blue, violet, purple, mauve, green, and black are all possible colours for spinel. Completely colourless (white) spinel is a rarity, but would only be appreciated by collectors.It is not known for certain where and how the word spinel originates. It has been suggested that it may come from the Latin spina meaning a thorn, or from the Greek word meaning a spark, alluding to its fiery colour.All colors of Spinel are highly valued collectors Gemstones.

Healing Powers

Spinel is thought to protect the owner from harm, to reconcile differences, and to soothe away sadness.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

(View

 Spinel

 Stocks)

SOURCES FOR THIS GEMSTONE

Sri Lanka (formely Ceylon), Myanmar,Thailand, Afghanistan, Russia and Tanzania.

TREATMENTS

 Typically Spinel is not HEAT treated.

CARE

It is usually safe to clean Spinel in an Ultrasonic cleaner, but risky to use a steamer. We recommend ionic cleaners and/or warm, soapy water and a soft brush as the best way to clean Spinel jewelery.