Spinel
The great imposter, historically mistaken for ruby and sapphire, now prized in its own right.
Spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide mineral that occurs in a stunning range of colors: vivid red, hot pink, cobalt blue, lavender, and gray. For centuries, the world's most famous 'rubies' were actually spinels: the Black Prince's Ruby in the British Imperial Crown and the Timur Ruby are both red spinels. Modern gemology has given spinel its own identity, and it has rapidly become one of the most sought-after collector's stones. Spinel requires no treatment. It comes out of the ground in vivid, natural color, and its excellent hardness (8) makes it ideal for jewelry.
What are the properties of spinel?
| Hardness (Mohs) | 8 |
| Refractive Index | 1.712–1.736 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.58–3.61 |
| Crystal System | Cubic (Isometric) |
| Chemical Formula | MgAl₂O₄ |
Color Varieties
Major Sources
Myanmar · Tanzania (Mahenge) · Sri Lanka · Vietnam · Tajikistan
What affects spinel price?
Color
Vivid red and cobalt blue spinels command the highest prices. Mahenge hot pink is also premium. Lavender and gray are more accessible.
Size
Fine spinel above 3 carats is rare. Above 5 carats, prices escalate dramatically for top colors.
Treatment Status
Spinel is one of the few gemstones that is almost never treated. This natural purity is a key selling point.
Origin
Burmese 'Jedi' red spinels and Mahenge pink spinels carry the strongest origin premiums.
How much does spinel cost per carat?
Retail prices as of mid-2026. Actual cost depends on color, clarity, origin, and treatment.
| Quality | Price/ct | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dark/opaque commercial | $20–$80/ct | Gray, dark purple, or included material |
| Mid pink/blue (1–2ct) | $200–$800/ct | Nice color, eye-clean, Sri Lankan or Vietnamese origin |
| Fine red (1–3ct) | $800–$3,000/ct | Vivid red, untreated, Burmese or Tajik origin |
| Cobalt blue / Mahenge pink | $3,000–$15,000/ct | Neon colors, collector-grade, rarely above 3ct |
| Exceptional Jedi red / top Mahenge | $15,000–$50,000+/ct | Unheated vivid red or electric pink, 2ct+ with lab report |
How to care for spinel
Do
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush
- Ultrasonic cleaning is generally safe
- Excellent for everyday wear. Very durable
Don't
- Avoid extreme heat
- Don't use steam cleaners unnecessarily
- Handle with care to avoid chipping (though spinel is quite tough)
Cleaning Method
Warm soapy water or ultrasonic. Spinel is durable and easy to care for.
How to buy spinel
Spinel is the insider's gemstone. The trade knows it's undervalued relative to ruby, sapphire, and tourmaline.
Mahenge hot pink spinel offers an electric pink that's unmatched by any other gemstone at any price.
Red spinel is the ethical, untreated alternative to ruby. Similar look, no treatment, and better value.
Cobalt blue spinel has a unique neon quality. It's completely different from sapphire blue.
Buy spinel now. Prices have risen 300–500% in the past decade and the trend shows no signs of slowing.
Did You Know?
The 170-carat Black Prince's Ruby in the British Crown is actually a red spinel.
Spinel wasn't formally distinguished from ruby until 1783 when mineral analysis advanced.
Mahenge, Tanzania, produced a famous pocket of neon pink spinels in 2007 that sent prices soaring.
Frequently asked questions
How much is spinel worth?
Spinel sells for $20 to $50,000+ per carat at retail in mid-2026, depending on color and origin. Commercial gray or dark stones start under $80/ct. Fine untreated red spinel runs $800 to $3,000/ct. Top cobalt blue and Mahenge neon pink can exceed $15,000/ct.
Is spinel a real gemstone?
Yes. Spinel is a natural magnesium aluminum oxide mineral with its own gemological identity. For centuries it was confused with ruby and sapphire, but modern testing distinguishes it clearly. The Black Prince's Ruby in the British Crown is actually a 170-carat red spinel.
What is the most expensive spinel?
Burmese 'Jedi' red spinels and Mahenge neon pink spinels from Tanzania command the highest prices. Fine 2 to 3 carat untreated red spinels regularly sell for $15,000 to $50,000+ per carat at auction. Cobalt blue spinels from Vietnam are close behind.
Why is spinel becoming more popular?
Spinel is gaining attention because it offers vivid color with no treatment, excellent hardness (8 Mohs), and prices that still undercut equivalent rubies and sapphires. Collectors and designers want untreated stones, and spinel delivers that at a fraction of ruby pricing for similar red hues.
Related Resources
Related Gemstones
Glossary Terms
Last updated: 2026-08-12