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Spinel is an underrated gemstone that is finally getting the recognition it deserves. It is one of the August birthstones, along with sardonyx and peridot, and has an impressive hardness rating of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale. 

Spinel has been mined for a very long time in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, and Afghanistan. It has gained a lot of attention for its beauty, and you can even find this stunning gemstone on some crown jewels! 

You can also find a variety of jewelry pieces featuring spinel gemstones, ranging from necklaces and earrings to rings. Are you planning to get a spinel ring? If you are considering getting rings featuring this enchanting gemstone, here's what you need to know! 

The Beautiful and Diverse Colors of Spinel

Did you know that spinels are colorless in their purest form? However, it is extremely rare for a spinel to occur in that form. Trace elements, such as iron, cobalt, and chromium, can instead produce a range of colors, such as lavender, black, violet, and more. 

Among the various hues, red and blue happen to be the most popular colors. Let's learn a little about these two favored colors.

Red Spinels

Some people consider red spinels as the rival of rubies. In the past, red spinels were regarded as a rare variety of ruby, known as balas ruby. Mistaken as rubies, spinel can be found on many crown jewels. A classic example is the Black Prince's Ruby which is actually a red spinel. It is placed on the Imperial State Crown of the United Kingdom. 

However, in the late 1700s, scientists discovered that spinel stones are a different gem species. Red spinels are one of the most sought-after spinel stones in the market today. One can't help but fall in love with their stunning red hue.

Blue Spinels

Not only is blue one of the rarest naturally occurring colors, but it is also a sought-after choice when it comes to jewelry pieces like a ring. Blue spinels are another popular color of spinels aside from red. These gemstones come in a wide range of blue hues, ranging from pure blues to purplish and greenish blues.

Blue spinel is a rival to and has a close resemblance to other well-known blue stones like sapphires, tanzanite, paraiba tourmaline, and aquamarine. Pure blue-colored spinels with intense saturation are known as cobalt spinels. They are one of the rarest and most coveted gemstones.

The Meaning of Spinel Gemstone 

A spinel is a stone of renewal that may reenergize every part of you. It is the perfect gemstone for workaholics, as it will boost low energy levels and assist in relieving tension and anxiety.

Additionally, this stone also offers motivation and inspiration. Having a spinel ring with you will bring you fresh hope and positive energy to overcome the obstacles in life.

In short, whether you are an August born or not, a loose spinel gemstone or a piece of spinel jewelry is a must-have for you. 

If you are set on buying a spinel stone ring, whether for yourself or someone else, here are the 4Cs you need to consider:

Cut

Spinel gemstones are quite durable, hard, and available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Cushion, round brilliant, oval, and emerald are some of the most popular cuts for a spinel ring, thanks to their high clarity and refractive index. 

Moreover, it is interesting to note that spinels are octahedral (eight-sided) crystals naturally, and to accentuate their features, gem cutters usually cut these gemstones into more refined octahedrons.

Color

We have already discussed that spinels are available in a variety of beautiful colors, red and blue being the two most popular ones. Let's now talk about the spectral color characteristic that is used for identification.

• Red and Pink Spinel

The same mineral that gives the redness to rubies, chromium, is present in pink and red spinels. These two gemstones have a wide color spectrum and readily absorb violet hue.

• Blue Spinel

The blue spinels get their color from the traces of iron elements. Light blue and mauve spinels also contain iron elements, however, they have a less intense color spectrum.

• Black Spinel

The opaque stone gets its rich and inky black hue from the presence of magnesium aluminum oxide. 

In addition to these colors, different components interact with spinel minerals to produce a wide range of hues.

Carat

Although spinels are available in abundance in nature, they are less common in the gemstone industry. Why is that? It is due to their imitation traits, as many people mistake red spinels for a ruby. However, most fine spinels with good gem quality are weight-cut differently, which saves carat weight.

Most spinel stones of fine grade are oval cut or mixed-cut and have sizes of 6x4 and 7x5 mm. These sizes are ideal if you want spinel as the center stone in your ring!

Clarity

Spinel reflects light brilliantly thanks to its high refractive index. This results in a stunning, sparkling stone when cut and polished.

When it comes to inclusions, most spinels are almost inclusion-free and clear to the naked eye.

Now that you know how to choose the perfect spinel ring, take a look at some of these beautiful ring styles!

Are you a fan of the color blue? Then this set stunning blue spinel stone ring with baguette-cut white diamonds will be perfect for you. It is elegant and something you can wear every day.

A red spinel ring is missing from your collection if you want to add a pop of color to your outfits. This 18-carat white gold ring with a breathtaking red-faceted spinel might be what you are looking for!

Are you looking for something simple and black? What's better than this black spinel gemstone ring?

If you are looking for the perfect proposal ring, check out this 3.47 carats Jedi pink spinel ring set with diamonds and 18k white gold! The beauty and luster of this ring will surely put a smile on her face.

Parting Thoughts

Spinels are stunning gemstones with brilliant luster and hardness. You are missing out on something so elegant and beautiful if you don't have at least one spinel ring in your jewelry collection. So, what are you still doing here? Go and get your perfect spinel stone ring.