# Spinel

> Spinel is a hard gem (8 on Mohs) in vivid colors, famous for having been mistaken for ruby for centuries; suitable for everyday wear.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/spinel/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-06-25
- Updated: 2026-06-25
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/espinela/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Spinel is a transparent, hard mineral found in red, pink, blue, violet and black. For centuries it was mistaken for ruby: some “rubies” in European crown jewels are in fact spinels.

## Properties

- **Composition:** magnesium aluminum oxide.
- **Hardness:** 8 on the Mohs scale.
- **Color:** red, pink, blue, violet, black; intense red and pink are the most sought after.
- **Origins:** Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan and Vietnam, among others.
- **Treatments:** almost never treated; synthetic spinel exists.

## Uses in jewelry

- Everyday rings, earrings and pendants.
- A more affordable alternative to ruby and sapphire.
- August birthstone on the modern list.

## Pros and cons

### Advantages

- Very hard and brilliant.
- Intense colors without treatments.
- Cheaper than a ruby of similar quality.

### Limitations

- Little known, so it can be hard to find.
- Large stones of pure color are expensive.
- Can be mistaken for synthetic ruby without a certificate.

## Care and cleaning

- Clean with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush.
- Tolerates ultrasonic cleaning if well set.
- Store it apart so it does not rub other stones.

## See also

- [Gemstones in jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/gemstones-in-jewelry/)
- [Ruby](https://www.711grados.com/en/ruby/)
- [Sapphire](https://www.711grados.com/en/sapphire/)