Spinel: Meaning, Symbolic Properties and Care

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Spinel is a hard gem that was long mistaken for ruby: several “rubies” in the British crown jewels are in fact red spinels.

Key points

Colours	red, pink, orange, violet, blue, green, black, colourless
Mineral family	magnesium aluminium oxide (MgAl2O4), cubic system
Mohs hardness	7.5 to 8
Origin of the name	from the Latin spina, thorn, for its pointed crystals
Notable deposits	Myanmar (Mogok), Tajikistan, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan
Famous confusion	the Black Prince’s Ruby and the Timur Ruby: both red spinels
Traditional chakra	root for red; others depending on the colour

What is spinel?

Spinel is a magnesium aluminium oxide, crystallising in the cubic system: its crystals take the form of octahedra, two pyramids joined at their bases. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, it is a durable gem that copes well with daily wear. Its colours are very varied: red, pink, orange, violet, blue, green, black or colourless, depending on the traces of chromium, iron, cobalt or vanadium it contains.

Its name comes from the Latin spina, thorn, because of its pointed crystals. The mineral was described in the 16th century by Georgius Agricola, the father of modern mineralogy (1546).

The great “false ruby” of history

For centuries, every transparent red stone was grouped under the name “ruby”. Later analyses showed that some of the most famous were in fact red spinels: the “Black Prince’s Ruby” and the “Timur Ruby”, which are among the jewels of the British crown. The two gems are close in colour but different in nature: ruby is a corundum (hardness 9), whereas spinel is a separate mineral.

The historical deposits of Myanmar (the Mogok region) and Central Asia supplied these stones. Spinel is also found in Tajikistan, Vietnam (Luc Yen), Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and even in France, in the peridotites of the Ariège.

Traditional symbolism

Because its history is intertwined with that of ruby, red spinel has long shared its symbols: vitality, courage and royal brilliance. Spinels of other colours have no ancient tradition of their own; contemporary writers apply to them the reading of colours: pink for tenderness, blue for calm, black for stability.

These are symbolic correspondences, not proven effects. They do not replace medical advice and guarantee no result.

Traditional correspondences

Colour	Most cited chakra
Red	root, sometimes heart
Pink	heart
Blue	throat or third eye, depending on the author
Black	root

In astrology, authors disagree: Leo or Aries is sometimes cited for red. Spinel is also proposed as a birthstone for August in several modern lists (see August birthstones). To learn more about the root chakra, read this page.

How to use it

As everyday jewellery: its hardness makes it a good choice for a ring, a pendant or earrings.
As beads (black or coloured spinel) for a necklace or bracelet with a simple look.
Rough or as a small octahedron: an attractive collector’s piece to display on a shelf.
As a symbol: worn for its deep red at a time when you want to remind yourself of your energy or determination.

Care and cleansing

Spinel is hard and stable: it is little affected by water, light or salt. Cleaning with lukewarm soapy water and a soft brush is sufficient. A few precautions, however: if the stone is cracked or the piece includes fragile stones, avoid ultrasonic cleaners. Store it away from harder stones (corundum, diamond) that could scratch it.

For symbolic cleansing, smoke, a while in moonlight or contact with selenite are suitable. More details in cleansing and recharging your stones.

Treatments, synthetics and imitations

Gem spinels are generally little treated, which is one of their strengths. However, synthetic spinels exist, made in laboratories for a long time, and often used to imitate other stones (aquamarine, sapphire, ruby). An honest seller specifies “synthetic” or “lab-created”.

A flawless red at a very low price may be glass, a synthetic stone or another dyed mineral.
The name “ruby” applied to a red stone must be justified: if in doubt, ask for the exact nature (ruby, spinel, garnet, glass).
For a valuable stone, only a gemmological laboratory can settle the question.

How to choose a spinel

Look at the colour (rich and even), the transparency and the size. A high-quality, vivid red or pink spinel can rival better-known gems in price, whereas black beads or small rough crystals are very affordable. To learn how to compare, see choosing and caring for your stones and the guide to gemstone jewellery. In terms of pairings, it works well with garnet, ruby or pink tourmaline.

Frequently asked questions

Is spinel a precious stone?

In everyday trade it is classed among the fine gemstones. Its rarity and beauty nonetheless make it a highly prized gem.

What is the difference between spinel and ruby?

Ruby is a corundum (hardness 9); spinel is a different mineral (hardness 7.5 to 8), cubic. Only a gemmological examination can tell them apart with certainty.

Is red spinel rare?

Fine large red spinels are rare, but small spinels and stones of other colours are more common.

Can spinel be worn every day?

Yes, its hardness of 7.5 to 8 allows it, provided that severe knocks are avoided.

Does black spinel exist?

Yes, it is opaque and common as beads. It is sometimes sold under other names; the exact name should appear on the description.