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The truth about rubies: Why are many precious gemstones actually mysterious spinels?
When many of us admire precious gemstones, we may be attracted by the brilliant color of ruby, but did you know that many gemstones thought to be rubies are actually spinels? Spinel, a forgotten member of the gemstone family, has a similar appearance and history to ruby, but is often not as highly regarded in the jewelry world. This article will explore spinel’s properties, its sources, and the story behind how it can be mistaken for ruby in certain circumstances.
"Spinel comes from the Latin spinella, meaning thorn, reflecting the sharp shape of the crystal."
Characteristics of spinel
Spinel is a mineral composed of magnesium and aluminum, with the chemical formula MgAl2O4, and belongs to the cubic crystal system. Its crystal form is mostly octahedral, usually in a twinned state. Spinel has a hardness of 8, good wear resistance, and a vitreous luster. Although spinel can be colorless, it is usually found in a variety of shades such as red, purple, blue, and green, which are extremely attractive. In particular, the red spinel from Myanmar, whose red color comes from the element chromium, has long been valuable in the jewelry industry.
"Spinel has recorded history for centuries, and it was once called ruby along with ruby."
Geology and Geography
Spinel is found in metamorphic rocks, especially metamorphic limestone and silica-poor mudstone. It also occurs as a major mineral in rare basic rocks. This makes spinel and ruby often appear together. It has a wide geographical distribution, and famous production areas include Sri Lanka, Badakhshan Province (now Afghanistan and Tajikistan), Mogao in Myanmar, Liujianque in Vietnam, Mahen and Matumbo in Tanzania.
Spinel's Gemstone Status
In the jewelry world, spinel is still considered a relatively unpopular gemstone. Despite its beauty and rarity, its popularity and price in the market are always lower than rubies of the same color. Certain famous gemstones, such as the Black Prince's Ruby and the Timur Ruby, which belong to the British royal family, are actually spinels, not rubies. This makes the history of spinel even more mysterious, and it is difficult for ordinary consumers to know the truth.
"The beauty and rarity of spinel are unquestionable, but how should it be properly understood?"
Modern Applications of Synthetic Spinel
As technology improves, the production of synthetic spinel is increasing. Synthetic materials look very similar to natural spinel, but are generally more affordable. These synthetic spinels are widely used in all types of jewelry, especially as the October birthstone, and are considered a good value alternative. In addition, synthetic spinel has also demonstrated its high strength and stability in military and commercial applications, which is becoming increasingly popular in today's high-tech world.
Conclusion
Spinel, a mysterious member hidden behind the shining jewels, not only has a beauty similar to ruby, but also plays an important role in the long river of history. While we enjoy the brilliance of these precious gems, should we also re-examine the spinels that are unknown in the background and think about their future status in the jewelry world?
