I wanted to feature Spinel. It is a marvelous gemstone and I just love it. Please read below what information I have found on Spinel. I have also included some links of where to purchase Spinel.
I have only purchased a few of these in my history of buying gems as they are a little expensive but when I do make jewelry with Spinel it is soooo beautiful and very special to me.
The history and origin of Spinel
| One of the most beautiful and rarest gemstones available today is the Spinel. While you might be able to find a gemstone called Spinel at your local jewelry stone, it is probably synthetic and only loosely based on the beautiful qualities of true Spinel. Spinel was usually associated with Rubies, due to the fact that large red Spinel were found in the same mines that Rubies were mined at. Since they had the same characteristics and practically looked the same to the naked eye, they were often believed to be Rubies. Many Spinels were worn by kings and queens throughout history and even are included on many priceless royal artifacts such as the Black Prince’s Ruby, the 170 carat red Spinel that is set in the Imperial State Crown of England and a Spinel is also part of some of the British Crown Jewels. Henry V even wore Spinel as part of a battle helmet. Besides red, Spinel comes in a wide variety of beautiful colors including green, blues, purples, orange, pink and a very prized hot pink. Spinel is associated with many other gemstones including tourmaline and garnets. They are all made from the elements iron, chromium, zinc and magnesium, however they have differing amounts. Some of these minerals can even include nickel and aluminum. Usually these differences will create specific colors and attributes. Today, you can find Spinel that is synthetic and usually created from synthetic Corundum. However, natural Spinel is definitely worth the price due to its natural beauty, rarity and wonderful attributes. | |||
What is Spinel used for? | |||
| Spinel is a wonderful gemstone that is much rarer than many consumers think. Unfortunately, the moniker of Spinel that is used at most jewelry stores refers to synthetic Spinel that is usually created from synthetic or real Corundum. However, true Spinel is available, but much harder to find. Spinel comes in a large variety of colors including beautiful cobalt blue, greens, purples, violets, oranges, a very hot pink and beautiful reds. Up until a few hundred years ago, Spinel was mistaken for the Ruby. Spinel was mined from the same areas and red Spinel does take on many of the beautiful characteristics of Rubies. In fact, you can find Spinels on some of the Crown Jewels, including the Imperial State Crown. Today, Spinel is extremely rare and in most cases rarer than Rubies which it used to imposter for. Since it is such a rare mineral, it is only used for ornamental jewelry. However it should be noted that the qualities of Spinel are so attractive, many of today’s ornamental jewelry are made to simulate Spinel as is the case of synthetic Spinel. Most of the time synthetic Spinel will be sold as birthstones with varying colors such as the above colors mentioned, as well as other colors that do not occur naturally, specifically yellow. True Spinel, can be purchased, however you will need to look hard for it. One of the most interesting colors found in true Spinel is a hot pink with an orange tinge. Another color that is pursued is a gorgeous cobalt blue. Usually these stones make beautiful rings, earrings or can be worn as charms. This link will tell you a little more about Spinel. It is quite interesting to read about many gemstones and how they are made by nature. http://www.gemtradenet.com/Education/red_spinel.aspx Here in this link is more information on buying the gemstone for jewelry making. http://www.everything-wedding-rings.com/spinel-ring.html The Imperial Russian Crown (source of info > http://www.squidoo.com/Spinelgems  Contains the largest know Spinel at 398.72-carats. The Great Imperial Crown was made by a skilled court jeweler Jeremia Posier for the Empress Catherine II the Great's Coronation in 1762 | |||
Now here are some more links to purchase Spinel
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/houseofbeads/3774532/multi-color_spinel_faceted_rondelles/supplies/jewelry_supplies/beads/gemstone
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/houseofbeads/3774668/high_quality_mystic_blue_green_spinel_faceted_teardrops/supplies/jewelry_supplies/beads/gemstone
Gemalicious Beads
http://www.etsy.com/listing/93172701/sparkling-black-spinel-faceted-rondelles?ref=sr_gallery_12&sref=&ga_includes[0]=tags&ga_search_query=gemalicious+beads&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=
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