SPINEL GEMSTONE
Spinel gemstones have long been mistaken for other gems, especially rubies. For centuries, a lack of understanding resulted in these gemstones being classified as other kinds of stones.
With modern gemological understanding, we can now appreciate spinel as a unique species of mineral with its exciting gemstone qualities, well-suited for everyday wear and also appearing in class rings and high-end pieces.
What Color is Blue Spinel?
Before modern gemology, gems were primarily classified by color. Often, this meant spinel gemstones were misidentified. Some of the most desirable spinel colors include blue spinel, which exhibits a deep cobalt blue that rivals some of the finest blue sapphires in its richness. The blue hue is rare and infrequently seen at an affordable price point in today’s market.
Natural blue spinel is incredibly rare, demanding high market prices among spinel gems within the spinel group. To offer a more accessible alternative, Shop LC provides spinel gemstones enhanced through a patent-pending diffusion process.
In this process, small amounts of cobalt are bonded to the surface, creating the rich, luxurious color you see. This method is exclusive to a single vendor, making blue spinel gems treated this way highly sought after.
Other Blue Spinel Quality Factors
Naturally, spinel gemstones are included, meaning they often possess visible inclusions. However, with color enhancement, blue spinel typically appears eye-clean and exhibits a glassy luster.
During the enhancement process, heating further reduces visible inclusions, leaving a polished spinel gem that brilliantly reflects both natural and incandescent light. Its high refractive index contributes to the gemstone's vibrant sparkle and brilliance, further enhancing its appeal.
Shop LC offers blue spinels, including synthetic spinel options, in a variety of sizes, often under one carat. Available in diverse shapes like ovals, rounds, pears, and trilliants, larger faceted stones, including ovals and octagons, can measure up to 7mm x 5mm, while smaller stones like pears are available as small as 4mm x 3mm.
Though blue spinel is classified as a semi-precious gemstone, finding spinel gems of several carats remains extremely rare and highly desirable.
It's worth noting that although spinel belongs to a different mineral species than corundum (the family to which rubies and sapphires belong), its durability, brilliance, and rarity make it a fantastic choice for quality gemstone collectors.
Who Should Wear Blue Spinel?
For collectors who appreciate deep blue stones like Masoala sapphire, blue spinel makes for a fantastic addition to a jewelry collection. This gem mirrors the opulence of the crown jewels, and its vivid hue and rarity provide a unique opportunity to own a remarkable gemstone uncommon in the market.
As an August birthstone, blue spinel is also a meaningful choice for those born in this month. Crafted by skilled gem cutters, this gem can comfortably stand beside more well-known stones like diamonds, offering both beauty and exclusivity. Whether set in a spinel ring or another custom setting, this gem adds an elegant touch to any collection.
Is Blue Spinel a Birthstone?
• Spinel is a recent addition to the modern birthstone list. Added in 2016, spinel joins peridot as one of two gemstones for August. Occurring mostly as red gemstones, blue spinel presents a rarely seen option when selecting your birthstone.
• As per tradition, spinel can be given as a gift for the 22nd wedding anniversary.
Disclaimer: Use of any stone or mineral is not a substitute for professional medical care or treatment, and nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information provided should not be used to treat any illness, injury, medical condition, or ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health professional.
GemGPS
Location: Tanzania
Spinel gems are found throughout the world, but most famously in Tanzania. The blue spinel gems from Shop LC are sourced from Tanzania, specifically from the Merelani Foothills, near Mount Kilimanjaro, an area known for producing gemstones such as tanzanite.
Is Blue Spinel Treated?
Natural blue spinel is incredibly rare, which is why enhancement processes are used to offer this stone at an affordable price point. The blue spinel found at Shop LC undergoes a patented proprietary diffusion method, applying a cobalt treatment to enhance the richness of color in the crystal.
Like many other minerals, this treatment highlights its natural beauty and increases its value as a gemstone.
The stones selected for this treatment undergo standard gem cutting and polishing, followed by heating in a crucible after receiving the cobalt coating. After the process, the blue spinel emerges with the desired deep blue hue.
Specialized equipment can detect this treatment, although the color zoning present in other treated gems is not typically found in diffused spinel stones.
- Ranks 7.5 to 8.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
- Blue spinel possesses a deeply saturated blue hue, very rare in spinels.
- The Shop LC supply originates from Tanzania.
- Blue spinel receives additional enhancement through cobalt diffusion.