Often mistaken for ruby, rarely treated, and undeniably brilliant — spinel is one of the most underappreciated gemstones in the trade. But times are changing. With its natural beauty, broad colour range, and strong market appeal, spinel is earning its place in modern jewellery collections.

Here’s why more retailers, designers, and collectors are turning their attention to this vibrant and versatile stone.

1. Origins That Span Centuries

Spinel has been mined across some of the most iconic gemstone regions in the world, including:

•Tanzania (Mahenge): Known for producing intensely vivid pink and red spinels

•Sri Lanka and Vietnam: Long-established sources of fine gem-quality material

•Myanmar (Burma): Source of rich, deep red stones historically mistaken for ruby

•Madagascar and Afghanistan: Emerging regions producing spinel with excellent clarity and colour

These origins not only influence colour and quality, but also storytelling value for your customers.

2. Spinel in Ancient History

Spinel has played a significant role in gem history. Ancient mines in Badakhshan (now Afghanistan) were famous for producing red spinels — known as Lal — that were prized by Mughal emperors and often inscribed with royal names.

For centuries, spinels travelled along legendary trade routes like the Silk Road, eventually landing in royal treasuries across Asia and Europe. Many of the “rubies” in crown jewels, including the British Imperial State Crown, were later identified as spinel.

3. A Rainbow of Colours

One of spinel’s greatest commercial strengths is its wide natural colour range. It occurs in:

•Deep reds

•Hot pinks

•Lavender and violet tones

•Cobalt blue

•Grey and steely tones

•Orange hues

Unlike many coloured gemstones, spinel is typically untreated, which adds to its appeal for jewelers and collectors seeking purity and transparency. This also makes it a compelling option for customers who are increasingly asking for natural, untreated stones.

4. Bright and Brilliant

With a refractive index between 1.712 and 1.736, spinel offers impressive brilliance — comparable to sapphire, and often with superior clarity. Its crystal structure tends to be cleaner, which results in less inclusions and better light return.

The result? Sparkle that catches the eye, backed by a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. It’s ideal for rings, pendants, and everyday jewellery that lasts.

5. Cobalt Blue Spinel – Electrifying Rarity

One of the most exciting varieties in today’s market is Cobalt Blue Spinel. This rare material owes its vibrant, electric blue colour to cobalt ions in the crystal structure. True cobalt spinel is exceptionally rare, and stones with strong saturation and minimal grey or green tones are highly prized.

They’re often mistaken for blue sapphire, but when properly sourced, cobalt spinels stand apart for their glow, rarity, and transparency. For jewelers looking to differentiate their offering, this is one of the most compelling options available.

6. The Jeweller’s Gemstone

Spinel is often called the Jeweller’s Gemstone — and for good reason. It is vibrant, naturally untreated, and tough enough for daily wear. It has long been the insider’s choice for those who value gemological integrity and visual impact.

As coloured gemstone demand continues to grow, spinel represents a unique opportunity to offer customers something bold, rare, and slightly unexpected — without the price tag of more mainstream options.

Ready to Explore Spinel?

Nivoda gives you access to a global selection of spinels, from calibrated rounds to one-of-a-kind centre stones, in a wide range of colours and origins. Browse our live inventory, use memo options to show clients confidently, and let us handle the logistics.