Spinel Birthstone
Spinel Meaning and Benefits
Spinels About
Spinels Prices
In 2016, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and Jewelers of America added spinel as an August birthstone. This decision has no connection to the centuries-old European birthstone tradition. Spinels come in various colors, each carrying different, sometimes even opposite, meanings and influences for the wearer. Therefore, when choosing a spinel for everyday jewelry, it is best to rely on intuition rather than the modern designation of spinel as an August birthstone.
Spinel has long been associated with renewed energy, vitality, and resilience. In ancient traditions, it was believed to restore strength and motivation, making it a stone of revitalization and endurance (Kunz, G.F., The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, 1913). Some modern metaphysical sources suggest that spinel helps in overcoming stress, balancing emotions, and enhancing creativity (Simmons, R. & Ahsian, N., The Book of Stones, 2007). Due to its wide range of colors, different spinel varieties are sometimes linked to chakra alignment and emotional healing, with red spinel enhancing passion and confidence, while blue spinel is said to promote clarity and calmness.
Spinel is a rare and highly valued gemstone, historically mistaken for ruby and sapphire due to its rich colors and brilliance. It has been used in royal jewelry for centuries, with famous examples such as the “Black Prince’s Ruby” in the British Crown Jewels, which was later identified as red spinel. Spinel occurs in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange, violet, blue, and even gray. The most sought-after varieties are vivid red and cobalt blue spinels, which can rival the value of fine rubies and sapphires. With a Mohs hardness of 8, spinel is durable enough for everyday wear, making it an excellent choice for jewelry. Its brilliance, rarity, and growing recognition have significantly increased its market value in recent years.
The most expensive spinels are pure red, commonly found in Burma (Myanmar). High-quality stones can range from $5,000 to $10,000 per carat, especially in larger sizes.
Mogok spinel in Vivid Pink or Vivid Pink-Red can reach tens of thousands of dollars per carat, particularly over 5 carats. Cobalt Blue spinel is also highly valuable, but only when it has a pure, saturated blue hue—grayish-blue tones are significantly less expensive.
Other bright, vivid spinels are prized, especially in larger sizes, often selling for several thousand dollars per carat. In contrast, dark violet, dark blue, and grayish-blue spinels are more affordable, typically $200–$500 per carat.
Gray spinel is unique for its elegant tone, making it popular in men’s jewelry, with top-quality stones priced at $300–$500 per carat. Dull, unsaturated spinels with grayish undertones are the least valuable.
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