Spinel

The English name for spinel comes from the Latin word “Spina,” meaning “little thorn,” due to the eight-pointed structure of its octahedral crystal. The blue and red varieties of spinel resemble sapphire and ruby, respectively. In the past, red spinel was often mistaken for ruby, such as the British Royal Family’s Timur Ruby and the Black Prince’s Ruby, both later identified as red spinel. The commercial value of spinel depends on its color and clarity, with the most valuable being those closest to pure red or blue. Chromium-rich red spinels and cobalt-rich blue spinels are highly priced and usually require no enhancement. Spinel has high hardness, good toughness, and excellent chemical stability, making it a popular choice in the market.