Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you might want to know about natural spinel — what it is, how it compares to ruby, how durable it is, and how we source, certify and ship every stone.
- What is spinel?
- Spinel is a natural gemstone — magnesium aluminium oxide — celebrated for its brilliance and the widest colour range of any gem. For centuries it was mistaken for ruby: several famous “rubies” in royal collections, including the Black Prince’s Ruby in the British Imperial State Crown, are in fact spinel.
- Is spinel a precious and valuable gemstone?
- Yes. Fine natural spinel is a genuine precious gemstone, increasingly prized by collectors — especially vivid red, hot-pink Mahenge and cobalt-blue material. Because it is rarer than sapphire in top colours and almost always untreated, exceptional spinel has seen strong, sustained demand.
- How hard and durable is spinel?
- Spinel has a Mohs hardness of 8, good toughness and no cleavage, which makes it durable and well suited to rings and everyday wear when set appropriately.
- What colours does spinel come in?
- Spinel spans the full spectrum: red, pink, the neon pink-red of Mahenge, blue, vivid cobalt blue, purple/violet, teal, grey and orange — plus rare colour-change stones that shift hue between daylight and incandescent light.
- What is the difference between spinel and ruby?
- Ruby is corundum (aluminium oxide) coloured by chromium; spinel is a separate mineral (magnesium aluminium oxide). Spinel is singly refractive, typically untreated, and often more affordable than ruby of comparable colour — yet the finest reds rival ruby in beauty. The two were historically confused before modern gemmology could distinguish them.
- Are your spinels natural and untreated?
- We deal exclusively in natural spinel. Spinel is one of the few gems that is very rarely treated, and every stone we offer is accompanied by an independent gemological certificate describing it.
- Do your gemstones come with certification?
- Yes — every spinel is sold with an independent gemological report documenting its identity, weight and characteristics.
- Do you sell loose stones or finished jewellery?
- We specialise in loose spinel gemstones, hand-selected for colour, clarity and cut, so you can collect them or commission a bespoke setting with a jeweller of your choice.
- Do you ship worldwide?
- Yes. We offer insured, discreet worldwide shipping on every order.
- How is spinel priced?
- Value is driven chiefly by colour (hue and saturation), size, clarity and cut, with origin and certification also playing a part. Vivid, saturated stones in larger sizes command the highest prices per carat.
- How do I care for a spinel gemstone?
- Spinel is easy to care for: clean it with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush, then store it separately to avoid scratches. Avoid harsh chemicals, and skip ultrasonic cleaners for any stone with visible fractures.