Spinel Gemstone: Luxury for Less
 Not all gemstones possess simultaneous characteristics of beauty, durability, and brilliance of luxury gemstones (rubies, sapphires), but the spinel gemstone does. Gem dealers love these characteristics of the spinel gemstone. Perhaps royalty does, as well, since the spinel gemstone is included in the spectacular British Crown Jewels collection.
The spinel gemstone has been around since 1587. Discovered in Burma (Myanmar), it was around that time that this gemstone was classified as a different species of gemstone. The spinel gemstone is 100% natural and requires no heat treatment to enhance its color. There are, however, some synthetic spinel gemstones that are on the market, so watch for that when you are making a purchase.
 The color of a spinel gemstone rivals that of famous ruby or sapphire gemstones. Deep, vivacious red and rich, cool blue (also known as cobalt spinel, but it is a rare find) are just two of the colors for which the spinel gemstone is known. It can also be dark green or blackish, purple/violet, or pink. A pink spinel gemstone with hints of orange color has been found in Burma, and the intensity of the colors is quickly making it a favorite.
 Each color of a spinel gemstone is known by a certain name. For instance, ruby spinel is red, Balas spinel is pink or pale red, and flame spinel is orange or orange/red. Rubicelle is yellow to orange in color. Pleonaste (also known as ceylonite) is dark green to black. Grahnite is blue, violet, or dark green to blackish, while gahnospinel exhibits blue color as well. Picotite is brownish, dark green, or black.
At 8.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness, the spinel gemstone is great for use in any kind of jewelry. It has a fine brilliance in addition to its rich color, and will be an attractive piece to cherish. The spinel gemstone is often seen in cushion, round, or oval cuts. Only normal care is required when cleaning this gemstone. Mild soap and warm water will do the job nicely…well, with the help of a soft brush.
The spinel gemstone is quite a sight to behold, but there are a few extraordinary spinel gemstones that need to be mentioned. The Black Prince’s Ruby on the British Imperial State Crown (part of the British Crown Jewels) is actually a 170 carat red spinel. Queen Elizabeth’s Timur Ruby is a red spinel that is just over 350 carats. Moscow’s Kremlin Museum possesses a 400 carat spinel stone. The British Museum of London is home to two 520 carat spinel gemstones.
 Through the ages, red spinel has been mistakenly identified as being a ruby. The spinel gemstone is truly one that, although cheaper in price than a ruby or sapphire, will certainly give equal pleasure to the eye. Add a spinel gemstone, or two, or even more to YOUR collection of jewels. Live like royalty, but do so at a lesser price.
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