How and where is Spinel formed and found?

Spinel is generally considered to be a very rare gemstone. While you might find it at every jewelry counter in America, most Spinel that is sold commercially is usually a synthetic mineral, mostly Corundum.

Spinel is similar to a few other minerals in composition, specifically Garnets and Tourmaline.  All these minerals are usually made with magnesium, iron, chromium and other trace elements.  Spinel is usually found in non silica rock usually in alluvial or eluvia deposits.  Most Spinel is formed due to intense heat from volcanic activity or hydrothermal underwater streams.

Spinel is a wonderful gemstone that comes in many different color varieties, most notably, red which looks extremely similar to the ruby and for a long time (up until a few hundred years ago) was thought to be a ruby.  Spinel also comes in a gorgeous cobalt blue, green, pink and possibly one of the most attractive colors in the entire gem world, a hot pink with an orange tinge.

Natural forming Spinel is rare; in fact it should be classified as very rare.  It is even more rare than Rubies and while they each look incredibly gorgeous, Rubies are usually more valued and expensive.  Spinel is usually less valuable due to the fact, that most people have never seen true Spinel and so demand for it lacks.

Spinel can be found in Burma, now Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and part of the former Soviet Union Tadzhikistan.  Usually red Spinel comes from specifically Myanmar, which is also one of the most popular mining locations for Rubies.

The colors, shapes and sizes that Spinel comes in

Spinel is one of the most beautiful gem stones in the world.  It was thought in many instances to be beautiful Rubies and was set in many royal crown jewels throughout history.  Today, Spinel is rare.  While you can purchase Spinel at many jewelry stores, the vast majority of Spinel sold today is synthetic and usually made from Corundum.  Since most people probably never seen natural Spinel, demand for true Spinel lacks.

Spinel is a great stone for high end jewelry pieces.  It comes in a many colors including cobalt blue, violet, orange, green, gray, attractive reds and pinks.  One of the most sought after color of Spinel is the hot pink with a hint of orange. This color is quite possibly one of the most unique in the gem world.

Spinel can be found in many carat sizes, and Spinel found over 360 has occurred.  However, because of the rarity and cost of these gemstones, only stones weighing a few carats at most are sold.  If you are interested in purchasing Spinel, usually the best setting for it is in ring form.  Spinel is extremely hard with a score of 8 on Moh’s hardness scale and will stand up to normal wear and tear.  Spinel, since it is so rare, should be showcased and shown to everyone, which is why the ring is possibly the most noticeable and most attractive items that include natural Spinel. However, other types of jewelry compliment this beautiful gemstone including earrings, charms, bracelets and brooches.