Spinel ranks among the most underrated gemstones in fine jewelry. For centuries, this mineral was confused with ruby due to its rich red varieties and similar brilliance. Today, spinel stands on its own merit. With a Mohs hardness of 8 and good toughness, it handles daily wear without concern. Our collection features 8 spinel pieces set in .925 sterling silver, priced from $1170 to $3577. Each stone forms in metamorphic and igneous rocks, with notable deposits in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
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Spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide mineral with the chemical formula MgAl₂O₄. It crystallizes in the cubic system and forms in metamorphic limestone and alluvial deposits.
Spinel rates 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, placing it between topaz (8) and corundum (9). This hardness combined with good toughness makes spinel suitable for rings and daily-wear jewelry.
Major spinel deposits exist in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Vietnam. The gem forms in alluvial deposits and metamorphic rocks, with each location producing characteristic color varieties.