◂ BACK TO GEM ENCYCLOPEDIA

Spinel

The Black Prince's Ruby. The Timur Ruby. For centuries, spinel, the great imposter, masqueraded as ruby in Europe's crown jewels.

Spinel
See Gem As

Research

Spinel Description

The spinel used in jewelry is a small part of a group of minerals that share the same crystal structure. Not all of them form transparent crystals suitable for jewelry use, however. Spinel offers a range of hues, from orange to intense “stoplight” red, vibrant pink, and all shades of purple, blue, and violet through bluish green.

Read more

GIA's Gübelin Gem Project: Spinel

Found in nearly every color – most notably red, pink and blue – spinels are popular gemstones because of their abundance, moderate cost and attractiveness.

Read more

Spinel Care and Cleaning Guide

Learn about spinel's durability and how to care for your spinel jewelry.

Read more

Abstracts; Fall 1991

This article, from the Fall 1991 issue of Gems & Gemology, is a compilation of abstracts of important gemology-related articles published outside of Gems & Gemology.

Read more

Abstracts; Winter 1991

This article, from the Winter 1991 issue of Gems & Gemology, is a compilation of abstracts of important gemology-related articles published outside of Gems & Gemology.

Read more

PreviousPage 4 of 4Next

You Might Also Like

YMAL AJP
AJP®: New 5-Day Program Offered Worldwide
Learn About NextGem
GIA NextGem™ Diamond Training for Retail
Explore GIA Laboratory Promotional Offers
Explore GIA Laboratory Promotional Offers
Shop the GIA Store
Shop the GIA Store