The Encyclopedia · Stones & materials
Spinel
A gemstone found in reds, pinks and blues, long mistaken for ruby.
Several famous “rubies” in royal collections, such as the Black Prince’s Ruby in the British Crown Jewels, are in fact red spinels. Natural spinel is rarely treated, and collectors now value it on its own merits.
What to look for
Synthetic spinel was widely used in the twentieth century to imitate other gems, especially blue sapphire and aquamarine. A gemological test settles the question.
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