Spinel is one of those gemstones that always stops you in your tracks. It naturally comes in a huge range of colours — from deep reds and soft pinks to purples, blues, and even black. It’s a crystalline mineral made mostly of magnesium aluminum oxide and it is prized not just for its brilliant colour, but for its durability too.
A few things to know about spinel:
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Hardness: Spinel is 8 on the Mohs scale, which means it can take daily wear in rings, necklaces, and other pieces without a problem.
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Colours: Red spinel is the most famous, and historically it was often mistaken for ruby, but it comes in so many other beautiful shades — pink, purple, blue, orange, and black.
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History: Spinel has been cherished for centuries. Some of the famous “rubies” in royal crowns were actually spinels, prized for their sparkle and colour.
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Care: While it’s durable, spinel should still be treated gently. A simple cleaning with mild soap and water keeps it looking its best.
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Value: It's worth comes down to colour, clarity, and size. The most vibrant, richly coloured stones are the ones everyone’s after.
In short, spinel is a stunning, versatile gemstone that’s a little less common than ruby or sapphire — perfect if you want something unique that really pops. Whether in a ring, necklace, or earrings, it’s a stone that adds colour, life, and personality to any jewellery collection; perfectly captured in Johanna Brierley's Oval Spinel Solitaire!
