Spinel: The Underrated Gem with Unmatched Durability and Colour
For a long time, spinel was a gemstone I felt was truly under appreciated, but I believe it is finally having its moment. While it may be a newer name in Western jewellery trends, spinel has been revered and highly sought after in Asia for centuries. Today, I want to share my top three favourite things about this remarkable, precious stone—and why it should be your next jewellery investment.
1. Excellent Durability: Hardness and Toughness
The first thing you need to know about spinel is its impressive durability. It's a common misconception that a high score on the Mohs hardness scale is the only measure of a gem's strength. While the Mohs scale (which measures a gem's resistance to scratching) is important, it's not the whole story.
Spinel scores a very respectable 8 on the Mohs scale, placing it high up with other durable gems like topaz. But its true superpower lies in its toughness. Toughness is a gemstone's ability to resist chipping and breaking upon impact. Unlike diamonds, which are very hard but can have cleavage planes that make them prone to splitting with a hard knock, spinel has no cleavage. Its cubic crystal structure gives it a superior resistance to chipping, which is crucial for jewellery worn in "high-traffic areas" like rings. For me, spinel's combination of hardness and toughness makes it one of the most durable gemstones on the market.
2. A Rainbow of Natural Colour
My second favourite thing about spinel is its breathtaking colour palette. You might be familiar with the vibrant red spinels that have historically been mistaken for rubies or the striking cobalt blue variety, but that’s just the beginning.
Spinel can be found in a whole range of beautiful tones, including rich purples, subtle pinks, fiery oranges, and deep burgundies. The sheer variety and the incredible saturation you can find in these colours are truly spectacular. This vast range makes spinel a versatile choice for any style, from a statement-making cocktail ring to a delicate pendant.
3. The Beauty of Untreated Gemstones
For all of you who appreciate totally underrated gemstones, this one's for you. The vast majority of spinel on the market is completely untreated. This is a huge deal in the gemstone world, where treatments like heating and bleaching are commonplace for other stones to enhance their colour or clarity.
With spinel, what you see is what you get. The gem you are admiring came out of the earth looking exactly like that—a testament to its inherent beauty and purity. This makes untreated spinel a highly sought-after gem for collectors who value stones in their most natural form.
Spinel is not just a beautiful alternative to more well-known gems; it's a star in its own right. With its remarkable durability, a stunning spectrum of natural colours, and its untreated state, it is an ideal choice for anyone looking for an investment-worthy piece of fine jewellery.
