THIS LISTING IS FOR:
Gorgeous 0.78ct VS Natural Untreated Oval Violet Spinel Gemstone!!!
Individual Gemstone Properties:
Size: 5.5 x 5 x 3.3mm
Weight: 0.78ct
Shape: Oval
Clarity: VS
Color: Violet
Treatment: None
Origin: Sri Lanka
| Chemical Formula: | MgAl2O4 Magnesium aluminum oxide |
| Crystal Structure: | Cubic; octahedron, twins, rhombic dodecahedron |
| Color: | Red, orange, yellow, brown, blue, violet, purple, green, black |
| Hardness: | 8 the Mohs scale |
| Refractive Index: | 1.712 to 1.762 |
| Density: | 3.54 to 3.63 |
| Cleavage: | Indistinct |
| Transparency: | Transparent to opaque |
| Double Refraction or Birefringence: | None |
| Luster: | Vitreous |
| Fluorescence: | Red spinel, strong: red. Blue spinel, weak: reddish, green |
Spinel is a hard vitreous magnesium aluminum oxide that has been used as a gemstone for centuries. The beauty of spinel has caused it to be mistaken for ruby and sapphire in the past. However, spinel deserves to be recognized as a gemstone that is worthy of appreciation in its own right. Spinel occurs in a range of colors, such as rose pink to rich red; lavender to deep violet; light to deep blue, orange, yellow, brown and black.
The name spinel is thought to have come from either the Latin word, "spina", meaning thorn, due to its pointed crystal form, or the Greek word for "spark", in reference to its bright color. Spinel has been mined for centuries and one of the most famous historical spinel gemstones is known as "the Black Prince's Ruby". As the name suggests, this is a red gemstone, which was thought to be a ruby. The "Black Prince's Ruby" was acquired by Edward, Prince of Wales in 1367. It is set into England's state crown and is held at the Tower of London.
Spinel is often assumed to be other gemstones, such as ruby and sapphire. However, spinel can be distinguished from other gemstones by its octahedral crystal structure and single refraction. Additionally, spinel has a lower Mohs hardness than ruby and sapphire.
Spinel occurs with ruby and sapphire, and significant deposits have been found in Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and Thailand. Other locations where spinel deposits have been found are Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, Nepal, Nigeria, Tadzhikistan, Tanzania and the USA.
Spinel Color
The most desirable spinel gemstones are vivid red, followed by cobalt blue, bright pink and bright orange. Paler colors such as lavender tend to be more affordable. Other colors are black, violet-blue, greenish-blue, greyish, pale-pink, mauve, yellow and brown.
Spinel Clarity and Luster
Good quality spinel gemstones should have no visible inclusions. Inclusions typically decrease the value of spinel gemstones. However, desirable inclusions can result in asterism (the star effect). Inclusions in spinel can resemble its octahedral crystal structure or a human fingerprint. Spinel has a vitreous luster.
Spinel Cut and Shape
Spinel can be seen in faceted shapes such as octagons, trillions, squares, rounds and fancy shapes, such as ovals, pears and cushions. Vividly colored spinel gemstones are rare in sizes over 5 carats. Translucent to opaque stones are often cut in cabochon. Rare star spinel is cut in cabochon to display the asterism.
Spinel Treatment
Whilst spinel is not usually treated or enhanced, synthetic spinel is commonly produced because it can appear similar to a variety of gemstone types. Most synthetic spinel can be separated from natural spinel by the use of a magnet. Natural spinel shows a weak to moderate response to magnets due to its iron content. Some light-colored and orange spinel is colored by chromium, which causes it to be diamagnetic (repelled by a magnet). Additionally, natural spinel exhibits an octahedral crystal structure. Natural spinel is also available and all reputable gem traders declare products as natural or synthetic.
Spinel's hardness (8 on the Mohs scale) makes it durable and means that it does not scratch easily. To clean your spinel, simply use soapy water and a soft cloth. Be sure to rinse well to remove soapy residue. As with most gemstones, ultrasonic cleaners and steamers are not recommended. Always remove any jewelry or gemstones before exercising, cleaning or engaging in harsh physical activities such as sports. Store spinel away from other gemstones to avoid scratches. It is best to wrap gemstones in soft cloth or place them inside a fabric-lined jewelry box.
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