Spinel — Species Overview

(Magnesium Aluminum Oxide · MgAl₂O₄)

Spinel is a highly durable, brilliantly refractive gemstone known for its exceptional clarity and wide color range. Long mistaken for ruby and sapphire in historical jewelry, spinel has earned its own place as a premium gem species. Its clean crystal structure and vivid hues make it ideal for precision faceting.

Origins

Spinel forms in metamorphic marbles and alluvial deposits. Notable sources include:

• Myanmar
• Sri Lanka
• Tanzania
• Vietnam
• Madagascar
• Mozambique

These regions produce everything from neon pinks and cobalt blues to steely grays and rich reds.

Synthetics & Treatments

• Synthetic spinel exists typically in blue and green hues
• Natural spinel is rarely treated
• Mossy Duck Gems clearly labels any synthetic material 

Durability & Wearability

• Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale

• Excellent toughness

• High refractive index for bright sparkle

• Stable color with no fading

• Ideal for rings, pendants, earrings, and daily wear

Spinel is one of the most durable colored gemstones available.