SPINEL Natural 1.60 CT 6.96 X 6.32 MM Purple Blue Color Untreated Gem 13052222

In the history of gemstones, Spinel has been known as the great imposter. Many famous rubies in crown jewels, most famously, the Black Prince’ ruby, a huge 170 carat red spinel, are found to be spinels. Spinel was recognized as a separate gem specimen as early as 1587. Spinels were most often referred to as ‘balas rubies’. Spinels are mined in Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Tadzhikistan.

Spinel is one of the favorites among gem dealers and collectors for its brilliance, hardness and the range of colors. Spinel comes in colors such as rich red, gorgeous pastel shades of pink and purple. Spinels also comes in beautiful blue and also a special type of blue called cobalt spinel that are very rare. Spinel is a durable gemstone with good luster that is great for setting in jewelry.

Our gemstones are earth mined natural gems. Sri Lanka is one of the leading natural gem producers in the world. You can refer to any popular gemology book such as Gemstones of the World or Simon & Schuster's Guide to Gems and Precious Stones and you will see numerous reference to Sri Lanka as the locality for over 40 varieties of natural gemstones. I was born and raised in Sri Lanka and I have access to these gemstones right from the mining region. I do at least three tests for sapphires - Refractive Index using refractometer and reflective index and thermal sensitivity using Presidium Duo Tester, and at least two tests (or all three tests if in doubt) for other gemstones to verify the authenticity before listing them. I don’t list any stone that I have doubt about the authenticity. And I do not color enhance my pictures so you see pretty much what it looks like in real. As per my buyers’ feedback, some gemstones are actually look better in person. Thank you.
Natural Spinel
Weight 1.60CT
Size

6.96mmx6.32mm (Depth 4.04mm)
Color Purple Blue 
Cut Cushion
Clarity VSI 
Enhancements None
Image Actual gem, enlarged and taken under fluorescent light.

 
Clarity Grading for Faceted Gems

IF

Finest quality.  Loupe clean.  No inclusions are visible under 10x magnification.

VVSI

Extra fine quality.  These gems have microscopic inclusions which are difficult - slightly difficult to see under 10x magnification.

VVSII

Very fine quality.  Small pin-pricks are just visible to the scrutiny of the close naked eye.  However, the beauty of the gem is not diminished in anyway.

VSI

Fine quality.  Small pin-pricks and feathers are just visible to the scrutiny of the close naked eye.  However, the overall beauty of the gem is still not diminished.

SI

Good quality.  These gems have inclusions which are fairly easy to see with close naked eye.  However, the overall beauty of the gem is still high.

I

Good to medium high quality.  These gems have inclusions which are fairly easy to see under the close naked eye.  These inclusions are usually not really visible at an arms length.