Fine blue spinel is uncommon, and the vivid cobalt-blue variety is among the rarest and most valuable of all spinels. Most blue spinel is untreated, unlike much blue sapphire.

Blue spinel or blue sapphire — which should I choose?

Both are durable, but spinel is singly refractive, typically untreated, and often more attainable. Sapphire is harder (Mohs 9 vs 8), yet spinel's brightness and untreated nature appeal strongly to collectors.

What is cobalt-blue spinel?

Cobalt-blue spinel is the rarest, most vivid blue, coloured by trace cobalt and most famously from Luc Yen, Vietnam. See our cobalt-blue spinel collection for that specific hue.

Is your blue spinel natural and untreated?

Yes — natural, almost always untreated, and sold with an independent gemological certificate.

By Colour

Blue Spinel

Blue spinel spans from soft greyish-blue to deep, saturated denim and, at its rarest, the electric cobalt blues that command the highest prices in the gem. It is a genuine natural alternative to blue sapphire — and almost always untreated.

We select blue spinel for clean, appealing colour and bright cutting. Every stone is natural, untreated and independently certified — enquire for current availability.

A natural alternative to blue sapphire — untreated & certified. By enquiry.

Read the Blue Spinel guide →Spinel price guide →

We don’t have Blue spinel in stock at this moment. Tell us what you’re looking for and a specialist will source it for you.

Enquire about Blue Spinel

Questions

Blue Spinel — Frequently Asked

Is blue spinel rare?: Fine blue spinel is uncommon, and the vivid cobalt-blue variety is among the rarest and most valuable of all spinels. Most blue spinel is untreated, unlike much blue sapphire.
Blue spinel or blue sapphire — which should I choose?: Both are durable, but spinel is singly refractive, typically untreated, and often more attainable. Sapphire is harder (Mohs 9 vs 8), yet spinel's brightness and untreated nature appeal strongly to collectors.
What is cobalt-blue spinel?: Cobalt-blue spinel is the rarest, most vivid blue, coloured by trace cobalt and most famously from Luc Yen, Vietnam. See our cobalt-blue spinel collection for that specific hue.
Is your blue spinel natural and untreated?: Yes — natural, almost always untreated, and sold with an independent gemological certificate.

Explore more

Cobalt Blue Spinel Vietnamese Spinel Teal Spinel

Sources

Facts on this page draw on independent gemmological authorities:

Gemological Institute of America (GIA) · Institute
Gübelin Gem Lab · Laboratory
GRS (GemResearch Swisslab) · Laboratory
Lotus Gemology · Laboratory