Spinel Properties

General

spə-ˈnel

Stone of Immortal Beauty

Spinel is often called the great impostor of the gemstone world, being that is has been mistaken for all sorts of other gemstones, occasionally on purpose to deceive a customer. Spinel is commonly mistaken for Ruby, Sapphire, and Tanzanite

Of the worlds crown jewels, most of what was thought to have been rubies, are sometimes spinel. The most infamous is certainly Prince Edward’s (the Black Prince, eldest son of King Edward III of Britain in the Middle Ages) magnificent 170 carat red “Ruby” that it is said he boasted about regularly; which currently adorns the Imperial State crown in the British Crown jewels, was discovered in the 1940s to actually be Red Spinel  not a Ruby at all.

Another example would be the 352 carat stone currently owned by Queen Elizabeth, the Timur Ruby, which has the names of all the Mighal emperors who previously own it, engraved on the face…turned out also to be Red Spinel.

Spinel is now a gemstone that is treasured for its own beauty, it’s wonderful brilliance, hardness and wonderful range of spectacular colors. Their one ‘black mark’ is that often they are used to create a number of imitation birthstone rings, and as such people often believe the Spinel to simply be a fake.

Scientific Gemstone Properties

Mohs Hardness of 8 with a cubic crystal structure

Spinel is found in a wide range of colors, depending on the presence of various impurities and can present as transparent to almost opaque.

Spinel occurs in granites and metamorphic rocks, and is quite often found in conjunction with corundum; therefore it is often confused with the Ruby as well as the Garnet. One of the ways to differentiate Spinel from other stones is that Spinel possesses no electrical properties when subjected to heat, while the Ruby and Garnet do. Spinel has an amazingly high melting point of 2135 Celsius.

The name spinel is said to be derived from the Greek spinther, which means ‘sparkling’. It was valued as a protective stone for it’s beauty and the energy it radiated.

Metaphysical Gemstone Properties

Spinel is said to be able to clarify thoughts and creative ideas, as well as attracting the help that is required for any given situation.  A stone of immortality, Spinel will offer freshness to endeavors and initiate rejuvenation to that which may be beginning to degrade.

• Black will help one be in charge of situations and to handle other people in a correct manner.
• Blue or Gray colored spinel will enhance discrimination, especially about friends and what situations we become involved in, also quite good for spiritual communication.
• Dark Green is said to enhance communication skills as well as increase money.
• Light Green is told to be worn when one feels fear.
• Pink is the color that is quite good for couples in relationships as it fosters love.
• Peach is said to build self-esteem and soften criticism towards others or oneself.
• Red is excellent for increasing vitality, confidence and leadership.
• Violet is used to avoid being victimize, and helps enhance communication between generations.
• Yellow is said to be for those with low self-esteem as it fosters a stronger belief in one’s own abilities.

Healing Gemstone Properties

Spinel is a high energy stone, used to lend the body energy and to heal physical energy blockages. This beautiful gemstone has a calming effect on all types of physical inflammations, even neuritis and it’s symptoms are told to benefit from using Spinel. Said to speed the recovery of all diseases associated with movement, including issues with joints, bones and muscles.

Spinel will actually grant strength and renewed energy to the wearer and increase one’s powers of self healing, providing encouragement for dealing with difficult tasks and making it possible for one to protect oneself from the troublesome influences of others.

Magical Gemstone Properties

Energy: Projective
Element: Fire
Planet: Pluto
Deities: Hephaestus 
Powers:  Money, Energy & Power
Candle Color: Black or Corresponding to Color of Stone

Spinel may be worn during magic spells to attract money, wealth and abundance. It is known to lend physical strength and energy to one’s body, which may be helpful to help boost one during periods of exhaustion.

If one has had a particularly overbearing or dictatorial person in one’s life carrying a violet Spinel will assist one in any dealings with this person.

Zodiac Gemstone Properties

Zodiac Stone of: Sagittarius & Scorpio

Associations: Jupiter

Birthstone: Traditional Birthstone for the Month of

Dark blue to violet Spinel is linked to Sagittarius, red is told to be effective for Scorpio, symbolizing purposefulness, as well as to help one to collect the needed information, recognize what is right and  granting one the energy to act accordingly, even if one feels lethargic.

Chakra Gemstone Properties

Red Spinel being most effective on the 1st, Root/Base Chakra, and Blue on the 6th, Third Eye/Brow Chakra, Violet of course on the 7th, Crown Chakra.