Spinel - what is this stone? Description of properties, colors, zodiac sign. Noble spinel: description, properties and photos of the stone

Spinel- a stone of incredible beauty, unusual in its characteristics and properties. It is due to its brilliance and rich color palette, various characteristics that it is classified as the most unusual and rarest minerals.

Ancient magicians and astrologers believed that it was this mineral that brought unearthly love and a long, happy life to its owner.

But in order for the mineral to give all its positive, magical and medicinal properties, the owner should treat it carefully. So, from the ancient Greek the word itself "Spin" translated as a spark. In careful hands, he will sparkle with all the colors of the rainbow and will give you a charge of health, strength and attract happiness to you. But we'll talk about this further.

The magical properties of the stone

Spinel as a mineral it is considered that it has the strongest magical features, acting as a talisman, protecting its owner from many misfortunes. When worn correctly, it helps to turn a person's life for the better and even revive the most desperate drug addict and bummer to life.

But such a stone will help only sincere and kind people who are bright in soul and who want to change themselves and the world for the better. For such individuals, the stone will help return lost love and attract good luck, develop the gift of foresight and achieve their goals.

But if you are greedy by nature, stingy and spiteful, it is best not to wear such a mineral in any form and decoration. She will simply cut them off from the inside.

The energy of the spinel mineral in its streams is tied to such celestial bodies - the planet Jupiter and Venus and the main luminary, the Sun. Due to this, the mineral can act, attracting the energy and power of all three planets, or separately, depending on the current situation. We present to your attention an article about another mineral, its magical and medicinal properties, here.

Best of all, the stone will show itself if you wear it as an amulet or jewelry inlaid in a gold frame.

In ancient China, it was believed that it was spinel that possesses the more promising Yang energy - it has a beneficial effect on all physical and emotional health, giving peace, tranquility and a charge of strength.

On the territory of the countries of the East, spinel was appreciated for the fact that it is its red stone that enhances sexual potential, energy in men, sharpens feelings in women, strengthens love and gives passion.

The ancients believed that this particular mineral, which today is known as spinel, is able to induce unearthly love and passion in a person - jewelry made from it was often presented to loved ones.

The mineral itself is able to fill a person with vital streams of energy and strength, making it possible to feel young again. But for overly impulsive and emotional people, spinel is not suitable - under its power, their feelings are aggravated so much that they can burn a person from the inside.

The healing properties of the stone

The incredible magical, even to say occult properties of the stone were known from time immemorial to ancient shamans and healers. For the first time in his writings, the ancient occultist and aesculapius Paracelsus - it was he who widely used the mineral to treat many diseases.

As modern experts in the field of chemistry and minerals, lithotherapists note, spinel perfectly helps to overcome many health problems. In fairness, the presented mineral helps not only to activate blood flow, but also to cope with many skin diseases, as well as relieve pain in muscles and joints.

The mineral has such a positive effect on humans:

• has a general strengthening effect and is indicated for injuries, contributing to their speedy recovery;
• has a beneficial effect on vision and is indicated, in particular, with myopia, therefore it is shown to everyone who often and a lot works at a computer or strains his eyes, for example, in laboratories, sitting at a microscope;
• It is indicated as a treatment and prophylaxis for colds - it is often recommended to be worn in the autumn-spring period, when the risk of catching the flu or acute respiratory infections is high.

Much depends on its color, but this will be discussed below.

Synthetic spinel properties

Currently, science has learned to perfectly synthesize, artificially grow this mineral - its properties are similar to those of natural stones. It is often used both in jewelry and lithotherapy, industry, as an optical and dielectric element.

If we talk about the use of the synthetic nature of the origin of the mineral in jewelry, spinel is most often used, painted in bright and rich shades with the help of chromium and manganese, iron, cobalt.

If we talk about how to distinguish the original from the craft, it should, first of all, be alerted by its low cost. The mineral itself is different and therefore a large number of fakes can be found on the market.

Spinel cost:

• the most inexpensive mineral per carat starts in price from 25-30 dollars ;
• purple color mineral will cost from $ 200 per carat;
• pink from 300 for a given unit of measurement of a precious stone;
• Red mineral starts from $ 600 per carat .

The spinel stone and its history

For the first time about this mineral - an overcoat, as a gem, it became known from a world famous traveler Marco Polo who traveled the world in the 13th century and visited the Pamir Mountains.

It was in the ancient Pamir mountains, in the little-known at that time mineral deposit Kukhilale, that this mineral was mined since the 9th century - it was often confused with ruby. It is because of this that the traveler Polo called this spinel deposit - ruby ​​mines.

But now, after many centuries, when science developed at a rapid pace and reached considerable heights in the study of minerals, scientists came to the conclusion that spinel is a separate group of minerals, with its own, special physical and magical properties.

Regardless of the color of this mineral, spinel has been loved and appreciated since time immemorial, since many put it on a par with the most expensive diamonds, rubies. Suffice it to note the fact that a dark red spinel was inserted in 1762 into the crown of Empress Catherine II, and the famous Monomakh hat was also inlaid with it.

For many centuries of its history, spinel has changed many of its names - lal and rubicel, picotite, and on the territory of Russia it was very, very appreciated for its incredible properties, putting it on a par with emeralds and diamonds.

Zodiac signs and spinel stone

Spinel is a mineral with the strongest magical properties, and therefore it is worth wearing it with knowledge. The stone helps to relieve you of loneliness, to bring family happiness and ardent love, overwhelming and all-consuming passion into life.

In the process of wearing it, all zodiac signs should take into account its very, very capricious, rather changeable character. The main thing is to wear it constantly, and only then will it have its effect constantly.

Spinel properties for zodiac signs:

• - it is he who will 100% draw from the mineral all his strength and charge of energy, good spirits and health. It is Leo that this mineral will help in all his endeavors, enhancing his charm, the nobility of the sign and natural strength, feeding his energy and preventing a decline in strength.
• Aries, etc. They can also wear this stone, which will only enhance their physical and mental strength. Which ones can be found here.
• Taurus and Libra, Pisces - spinel will help restore health and give strength - this is especially useful if a person, due to work or lifestyle, is constantly on the road, makes important decisions.

To enhance the effectiveness of the mineral, it is recommended by practicing astrologers to wear it encrusted in earrings, as well as rings, putting it on the ring or index finger of the left hand exclusively. Oh, you can read it here.

Where is spinel mined?

The world's largest and most famous deposits of this mineral are located in Thailand and Kampuchea, Vietnam- this is where spinel of the highest quality and purity is mined.

Less famous natural deposits of this mineral are located in Australia and India, on the Madagascar Peninsula. But the most expensive minerals - bright red spinel - are mined in Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

Colors and properties of spinel

Depending on its color and tone, spinel has one or another effect on the body, inherent only to it.

Spinel properties and color:

• Spinel green will come to the aid of everyone who has been diagnosed with problems with the cardiovascular system, a failure in metabolic processes and frequent surges, drops in blood pressure. It is the positive properties of green spinel that will help to cope with migraines and help cure many eye diseases, improving vision.
• Blue spinel properties- it will help restore normal microflora and the work of the gastrointestinal tract, cope with many diseases of the kidneys and liver, lungs and the endocrine system.
• Properties of black spinel stone the following - it will help to cope with pain from injury and bruising, reduce heavy bleeding, and hypotonic patients to normalize their low blood pressure. Read more about their properties here.
• Mineral red will stimulate the immune system and improve blood flow, purify the blood and support the patient with paralysis. So, in the countries of the East, red minerals were used to enhance libido, exacerbating sexual sensations, allowing to overcome the male type of infertility. It is for the same reasons that red shades of spinels are not given to children, the younger generation, so as not to injure such a young organism.
• Pink mineral will help strengthen the nervous system and cure many skin diseases, normalize sleep.

What sign of the zodiac is the spinel suitable for?

Thinking about which zodiac sign the spinel is suitable for, first of all, it is worth remembering that the mineral itself combines the energies of Venus, Jupiter and the Sun - spinel will suit all zodiac signs that are patronized by these planets.

Spinel in any form is best worn by anyone born under the sign patronized by Venus - Pisces, Libra and Taurus. But they will not bring good luck and happiness to Aquarius. She is unsuitable as an amulet and Cancers - spinel perceives them, rather, as lazy and idlers, and she does not intend to help such people.

To enhance the positive properties of the mineral, it is optimal to encrust spinel in gold.

In order for spinel to bring you good luck and accompany you in all your endeavors, the mineral should be properly looked after. Keep it in a separate box - spinel does not tolerate neighbors nearby, and you should not wear it every day either.

Protect it from the influence of chemicals and any shocks - when doing homework, remove the product from yourself, but it should be cleaned no more than once every 3-4 months with a soft brush and only with baby soap.

Spinel is a beautiful first-order gemstone. Due to its extraordinary physical properties, brilliance and color saturation, spinel is one of the rare and unusual stones.

Stone history

The first mention of spinel as a gemstone belongs to the traveler Marco Polo, who visited the Pamirs in the 13th century. Here, in the Kuhilale deposit, located in the south-west of the Pamirs, spinel mining began in the 9th century. True, in those days it was confused with corundum and rubies. So the famous traveler wrote about the spinel deposit as “ruby mines”.

Only years later, thanks to the development of science, it was possible to find out that it is a separate group of minerals with physical properties inherent only in it.

Nevertheless, this stone has been loved since antiquity. He has always been among the most expensive and rare minerals. They were used to decorate their clothes and symbols of power by the rulers of different countries: Russia, Germany, France, Great Britain:

• The famous "Cap of Monomakh" is decorated with spinels, and not rubies, as previously assumed.

• The spinel is inlaid with the imperial crown of Catherine II, made in 1762.
• The British crown is adorned with the famous spinels, which were previously classified as rubies: "Black Prince" and "Timur".
• The “rubies”, which were inlaid with the Wittelbach crown in 1830, were also teardrop-shaped spinels.

Description of the mineral

Spinel is an independent group of minerals, which include shiny transparent and opaque stones of different colors. It can be either completely colorless or gray, blue, blue, purple, pink, orange, green, yellow, red and even black. The most appreciated by jewelers are spinel of red shades resembling ruby ​​in color, as well as stones of neon blue color. Large specimens of spinel are extremely rare and highly valued.

There are two versions of the origin of the name spinel.

1. According to the first, the word "spinel" has Greek roots and comes from the word "spinos", which translates as "spark".
2. According to another version, the name of the stone comes from the word "spina", which in Latin means the word "thorn".

In different countries at different times this stone was called in its own way:

• In Russia, these beautiful red stones were called lalom.
• In Europe, spinel was called the word "balas", in accordance with the old name of the Afghan province of Badakhshan (Balas), from where the stones were brought to Europe.
• In France, the stone was first called "ruby bale", and later, when spinel was defined as a separate group of minerals - "spinel bale".

There are other names for this stone and its varieties: ceylonite, picotite, rubicell.

Varieties

There are many varieties of spinel, which differ in color and transparency. However, only some of them are precious stones and belong to jewelry.

So, the most valuable are the following:

• ruby spinel- rich red shades;
• balay-ruby- beautiful pink-red color;
• almandine spinel- violet-red hue;
• rubicellus- red with a yellow or orange-red tint;
• chlorospinel- bright green or bottle color;
• sapphire spinel- blue and pale blue shade;
• pleonaste- dirty green color with a brown tint;
• ceylonite- dark green color;
• ganospinel- blue, sometimes with a slight purple tint.

Chemical composition and physical properties

In terms of its chemical composition, spinel is a complex oxide of magnesium and aluminum. Its chemical formula without impurities: MgAl2O4.

The chemical composition includes:

• magnesium (Mg) - 28.2%;
• aluminum oxide (Al2O3) - 71.8%.

Often, spinel crystals contain impurities of iron oxides (Fe2O3), zinc (ZnO), manganese (MnO) and chromium (Cr2O3), which determine the color of the stone. It should be noted that the color of the spinel is uniform.

Depending on the content of various impurities, it can acquire the most unexpected shades - from colorless to black.

The degree of transparency of the mineral also differs. Spinel crystals can be either completely transparent or cloudy. They have a beautiful glass luster. However, after jewelry cutting, spinel inserts, as a result of prolonged wear, can lose their shine and wear off at the corners and edges of the edges.

Usually in nature, spinel occurs in the form of small crystals, which sometimes combine into drusen.

The hardness of spinel on the Mohs scale is quite high and amounts to 8 units, however, the presence of impurities such as chromium and iron oxide can reduce it to 7-7.5 units. The density of the mineral is 3.57-3.72 g / cm3.

Place of Birth

The most famous large spinel deposits are found today in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kampuchea, Burma, Vietnam and, of course, in Tajikistan (in the Pamirs). Smaller spinel deposits are found in Madagascar, Australia, India and Afghanistan.

The best specimens of pink and red spinel are found in Tajikistan, Tanzania and Myanmar (in the Mogok region), and blue ones are found in Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

The healing properties of the mineral

According to lithotherapists, spinel:

• activates blood circulation;
• has a tonic effect;
• effective for injuries;
• helps in the treatment of skin lesions;
• useful in acute infections;
• has a beneficial effect on vision;
• relieves muscle and joint pain.

The different medicinal properties come in different varieties.

1. Red:
   • stimulates the immune system;
   • improves blood circulation;
   • helps with paralysis;
   • increases sexual activity.
2. Pink:
   • helps with nervous diseases;
   • normalizes sleep;
   • heals skin diseases.
3. Green:
   • helps to restore metabolism;
   • supports cardiac activity;
   • stabilizes blood pressure;
   • helps with eye diseases;
   • relieves headache and joint pain.
4. Blue helps with:
   • upset of the gastrointestinal tract;
   • lung diseases;
   • liver disease;
   • kidney disease;
   • dysfunction of the endocrine system.
5. Black:
   • helps relieve pain during injuries;
   • reduces bleeding;
   • increases pressure.

Magical properties

Spinel is a stone with strong magical properties. It is even believed that this stone is able to radically change the fate of a person and, most importantly, for the better.

True, spinel helps only kind, sincere people with good intentions. For such owners, spinel will bring good luck in love, the ability to predict the future and help in achieving good goals.

But people who are evil, greedy and soulless should not touch this stone, because spinel can harm and even destroy them.

In the East, the magical power of spinel has long been used to restore male strength and attract sexual energy. Single women wore spinel jewelry to attract love into their lives.

Spinel and zodiac signs

According to astrologers, spinel is most suitable for people born under the sign of Leo. It is to them that this stone will give energy and additional strength, help improve volitional and intellectual abilities.

Decorations with spinel as an amulet are also useful for such signs of the zodiac as: Libra, Pisces and Taurus.

But Cancers should avoid such an amulet.

Mineral application

The only area of ​​application for spinel is jewelry. However, not all spinels are equally valuable to jewelers. So, the most valuable for the manufacture of jewelry are spinels of red, pink, purple, neon blue and black, which are processed with a diamond or step cut, and the least interesting are gray-blue specimens.

• The largest specimen of pink spinel was found in the Pamirs in 1986. Its weight was over 5 kg.
• In London, in the British Museum of Natural History, two large famous specimens of spinel are kept. Each of them weighs more than 500 carats.
• Valuable large specimens of spinel are kept in the famous treasury of the Iranian Shah, which is located in Tehran. Their weights are 500 and 225 carats.
• The Louvre is showing its visitors a 105-carat cut spinel of an unusual red hue.
• In the USA, in the New York Museum of Natural History, you can see red spinel brought from Sri Lanka. Its weight is 71.5 carats.
• Delightful examples of spinel are also presented in another US museum - the Smithsonian Institution, which is located in Washington: purple spinel brought from Ceylon weighing 45.8 carats, spinel of a rich purple color weighing 29.7 carats, indigo spinel brought from Burma weighing 36 carats , and a beautiful red spinel weighing 34 carats.

How to distinguish natural spinel from a fake

The main difference between natural spinel and fakes is its price. The stone is quite expensive.

So, the cost of the cheapest variety of spinel in gray-blue shades is $ 25 per 1 carat.

Next in price is purple spinel. Its cost reaches $ 200 / carat.

Pink spinel will cost from $ 100 to $ 300 / carat.

The most expensive red spinel costs $ 600 / carat.

Accordingly, the lower price of the stone should alert the buyer.

1. Determining the naturalness of spinel, you should also pay attention to its inherent inclusions and possible defects, and most importantly - the uniformity of color.
2. The most reliable guarantee of the spinel's authenticity will be a certificate for it.

Care

When purchasing spinel, it should be remembered that this is a rather fragile stone that can wear off over time on the edges, so you need to handle it extremely carefully:

• Store in a separate box (preferably with a soft inner cover).
• Do not wear jewelry with this stone every day.
• Filming before doing physical work, including homework.
• Protect from knocks and falls.
• Protect from contact with aggressive chemical environment.
• Clean no more than once every 3-5 months with a soft brush and a mild soapy solution.

Photo

Spinel stone enjoys special attention in jewelry circles. This mineral is rare. By itself, it is a compound of magnesium oxide and aluminum. There are several versions of the origin of this stone. If translated from German, then a "thorn" comes out - this is a characteristic of the shape of the crystal, it is pointed. And if translated from Greek, it turns out "chaffinch" - this is a characteristic of color.

Not only does the stone have many different qualities, it is equally appreciated for the color that impurities give it. This mineral has one interesting feature that is unique to it. Each color has its own unique shade. For example, orange gives off pink, green has a bluish tint, red also has a pinkish tint.

This stone is considered a rare gem due to its magnificent brilliance, extraordinary palette and various physical characteristics. Even in ancient times, the owners of jewelry or an amulet made of spinel prophesied love and happiness. The essence of the mineral is such that it changes.

So you need to treat it with care.

From the history

The first mention of spinel as a gemstone belongs to Marco Polo, after he visited the Pamirs in the 13th century. In this place, the mineral began to be mined back in the 9th century. Only at that time it was still constantly confused with corundum and ruby. Therefore, it is not surprising that the traveler mentioned that there are Pamirian deposits not of spinels, but of "rubies".

Years passed, science developed. And only then it was possible to find out that spinel is a separate group of minerals, which is characterized by special physical properties.

Whatever it was, but our ancestors chose this stone. It has always been considered expensive and rare.

The mineral was used as a decoration.

For example:

• that very "Monomakh's hat" is decorated with spinel;
• the crown of Catherine II, which was made in 1762, was inlaid with this stone;
• a rare mineral can also be found on the British crown.

About varieties and colors

Noble, or pure, spinel has a watery-transparent structure. Or it can be completely colorless, which is extremely rare. In most cases, already painted stones are mined, on the creation of which mineral additives were "working". That is why there are stones of blue, red, green, brown, pink and black colors. The spinel stone owes its red hue to chromium ions.

Due to the admixture of iron, the mineral becomes yellowish.

Classification:

1. Noble spinel. This variety is almost completely transparent. She has species that are distinguished by beautiful saturated colors.
2. Ordinary. It is a gem whose structure contains iron. This stone has green, black and brown shades.
3. Chrome. It is black spinel and contains a lot of chromium in the structure.
4. Zinc. In its composition, magnesium has been replaced by zinc and iron.

But modern mineralogy does not provide a very deep classification of spinel. Because of this, not every type is a gem, and ultimately does not carry any value to jewelers. For example, spinel of dark shades (brown and black) can be considered as such. She belongs to the category of ordinary. Because of this, jewelers do not pay any attention to it.

The red and orange spinel stones are much more appreciated by them. Blue spinel and neon are in demand. Large specimens are rarely found in nature, which explains the high price.

When it comes to pricing, the most expensive option is red spinel. Then the price goes down - purple and pink variations.

The cheapest are blue and gray minerals.

Under the conditions of the laboratory, it was possible to bring out spinel of completely different colors. The most popular is blue spinel. Outwardly, it looks like aquamarine and sapphire.

The production of crystals takes place in Thailand, on the territory of Kampuchea, in Vietnam. In addition, spinel stone is mined in India and Tajikistan, Australia and Madagascar. As for Russia, this mineral was found here in the Urals. And the most expensive red spinel can be found in Myanmar.

In general, there is another classification of spinel varieties. But these terms are conditional. For example, a red-orange stone is called fiery spinel. Red and purple are called ruby. A stone with purple hues is called the almandine variety. Any stone with signs of blue is considered sapphire. With a bluish tint, the crystal is simply called blue spinel. There is even a brown stone, i.e. picotite. There are also trade names for spinels. And there are a lot of them.

Fakes of this stone are quite common. First of all, the price should be on the alert. It is the low cost that indicates that something is wrong. Even the cheapest type of stone costs about $ 25.

Due to the fact that the mineral is rare and expensive, scientists decided to try to synthesize its artificial analogue. The synthetic mineral spinel was quickly obtained. Although everything turned out spontaneously. However, after a successful experiment, the production of synthetic material began. And in practice, they continue to study the properties of the stone and its application.

In general, spinel has a bad reputation. This happened due to the fact that for a long time Europeans confused it with corundum, ruby ​​and sapphire. This continued almost until the beginning of the 19th century. As a result, some historically rubies and sapphires turned out to be spinels. This fact became known thanks to modern gemological verification. Once, spinel was not confused with corundum. It happened even before our era in India. There was also a deposit of this crystal at that time.

This mineral is not particularly fond of due to the fact that many synthetic analogues can be found on wide sale.

Natural product

A natural mineral with a reverse effect stands apart. It is worth noting the fact that most often people are aware of the synthetic analogue, which at best costs a dollar per carat. Natural spinel is less common and can be as high as $ 500 for a 1 carat spinel. Can change color. A synthetic analogue has all the characteristics of a natural one.

Only the ability to refract light is missing.

Be vigilant when purchasing natural spinel. The price of a stone is unstable. It is influenced by the personal appraisal criteria of the jewelers.

As a rule, the crystal is used mainly as a jewelry insert when creating necklaces, bracelets and large rings. You can even find beads with this stone.

Spinel is similar to other stones. Its definition must be approached carefully, because it can be very easy to make a mistake.

Magical properties

Spinel also carries the strongest magical properties. This gem can help a person in directing their destiny in a positive direction. With its help, you will even be able to find the strength that will help you to be reborn. However, spinel magic will only help those with good and sincere intentions. With the help of a gem, you can attract luck and love.

The stone helps in achieving goals, seeing the future and upcoming events.

If you are an evil and greedy person with bad intentions, then you should not face this mineral. It's not even recommended to touch it. Because it might hurt you.

Spinel has an energetic connection with 3 celestial bodies at once. These are Venus, Jupiter and the Sun. This is related to the fact that the power of a stone is a fickle phenomenon: it can act either to its maximum or partially.

Most of all, the magical properties of a stone are revealed when it is framed by a gold setting. Eastern culture advises using the stone as an enhancer of sexual energy.

Jewelry with such a mineral helps to restore masculine strength.

Healing properties

In addition to magical properties, the gem also has healing properties. Moreover, it has been known about them for a long time. For the first time, the healer Paracelsus wrote about such a characteristic of the stone. A powder was made from the mineral, which helped in the treatment of diseases.

Experts have confirmed the fact that spinel has a healing effect. If you prepare powder from a stone, then it will help you to improve your health. The mineral is prized for its tonic properties. In addition, it is able to activate blood circulation.

Spinel powder effectively fights skin diseases, helps to get rid of pain in muscles and joints. If you constantly wear jewelry made from such a gem, you can improve your eye health.

Each type of spinel has its own healing properties. For example, red spinel has a beneficial effect on the immune system, helps to improve blood circulation, heals paralysis, and increases sexual activity.

Pink spinel will be useful for those who have problems with nerves, sleep, and skin diseases. Green spinel restores metabolism, participates in cardiac activity, normalizes blood pressure, helps with eye diseases, relieves headaches and joint pain.

With the help of the blue stone, you can get rid of the upset of the gastrointestinal tract. It will be effective for diseases of the lungs, liver, kidneys. This type of crystal will help those who have problems with the endocrine system.

With black spinel, you can relieve pain after injury, reduce bleeding and increase blood pressure.

Properties of the stone for the signs of the zodiac

Since the stone has powerful magical power, it is able to rid a person of loneliness, helps to find happiness and love. But do not forget about the capricious and rather complex nature of the gem. Experts recommend wearing jewelry with a mineral at all times for the effect to be effective.

To enhance the effect of the stone, it must be used as an element of a ring or earrings. If you decide to opt for a ring, then put it on the ring finger of your left hand. You can also wear it on the index finger.

The zodiac sign also plays a role in determining the properties of a stone. This is the symbol of Leo. However, it can also be worn by other representatives of fire signs (Aries, Sagittarius). The gem helps to improve many human qualities - intellectual, physical.

Helps to gain strength and energy.

In terms of health, these crystals will be beneficial for Taurus and Libra. They are especially effective in this regard for Pisces. To this sign, the stone will give additional strength, which will be needed by those who spend most of their time traveling and making decisions.

The stone gets its dark color due to the admixture of iron. This shade is weakened by oxidation at the time of calcination. At a temperature of 1000 ° C, the blue color can be turned into bluish-green. If you raise the temperature another 400 degrees, you can get an olive green hue, and then bring it to yellow.

For information

The only area where spinel stone is used is jewelry. But it is worth remembering that not every type of stone is valuable to a jeweler.

Most often, the stone is used in rings and necklaces. In these cases, red spinel is used. The twin of the mineral is ruby. Sapphire is considered an alternative to a blue stone, and an emerald to a green one. A black sample can be perceived as a dark diamond.

In order not to be deceived, when buying, it is worth clarifying the presence of a quality certificate, which the stone must have.

The sample of saturated tone was named noble spinel from jewelers. Jewelers often use a synthetic spinel stone. Laboratory crystals have double refraction of light. So it is almost impossible to distinguish a synthetic insert from a garnet or sapphire purely visually. This is actively used by manufacturers.

Interesting Spinel Facts:

1. The largest specimen of pink spinel was found in the Pamirs in 1986. The stone weighed over 5 kg.
2. There are two large specimens in the London Natural History Museum. Each of them is about 500 carats.
3. No less valuable are the specimens that are kept in the treasury of the Iranian Shah. The mass of these minerals is 500 and 225 carats.
4. In the Louvre, you can see a spinel weighing 105 carats. Moreover, the stone has an unusual red tint.
5. A red overcoat, weighing 71 carats, was brought to America, its place of origin in Sri Lanka.
6. Many spinel specimens can be found in general in the United States. So, an interesting specimen was brought from Ceylon - its weight is 45.8 carats, the color is purple.

The stone, which was named "Ruby of the Black Prince", became widely known. Where he was found is still unknown. The first mention of this mineral dates back to 1367. The crystal was placed in the royal treasury of Granada. Part of this cache was taken over by the Castilian king. During the battle of Nager, the Castilian king was supported by the son of the king of England, who was called the Black Prince. For this he received a gem. After the "ruby" went to Henry 5, who used it to decorate his helmet. In one of the battles, it was he who helped him avoid death, protecting him from a fatal blow. At the moment, the famous stone is on the State Crown of the British Empire. It was decided not to change the shape of the stone. It was just polished.

Spinel began to belong to a special group of minerals only in the 19th century. Both in the East and in Russia, a precious gem of a red hue was called lal. This name remained until the stone was separated from other gems. Even the spinel, which is located on the crown of Catherine II, was considered a ruby.

A pendant with an inserted spinel is kept in the Hermitage. Moreover, its size is compared to the size of a large plum. Once this decoration belonged to the English pirate Francis Drake.

If you are a person who belongs to the creative profession (paint pictures, make music), then this advice is for you: put the ring in which this crystal is present on the ring finger on your left hand. Then you will feel a surge of additional inspiration, you will have many new ideas, and the stone will help in their implementation.

Treat the stone with kindness and sincerity. Then it will open up for you in a more positive way. But do not try to deceive the crystal and hide the truth from it. Only honest and kind people can count on luck and happiness from this mineral.

Overly impulsive people are contraindicated in black spinel.

Otherwise, the stone can weaken and frighten them. So it is better to choose any other shade.

This is a wonderful talisman for those who travel a lot. With a stone, you will never go astray, it will help you always choose what is right. In addition, it will help to get satisfaction from the process.

If you have a nervous job, then you should turn to a stone for help. You can speak out all your problems to him, or just enjoy his magical color for a while. Rest assured that you will feel relaxed, calm down, your thoughts will be refreshed. In this state, you will be able to find a way out of any situation.

The stone does not like when its owner uses other jewelry. So if you have spinel, then you will have to give up other decorations. Otherwise, the stone may refuse to reveal all its possibilities. It may even be harmful.

In general, spinel is considered an adornment of people from high society, the rich and kings. So under this stone you will need an appropriate outfit. You have to choose not a simple and not casual attire. Your appearance should be so chic that the stone can harmoniously fit into the overall look.

How to care for a gem?

When you buy yourself a spinel stone, remember that it is quite fragile. Over time, it can wear off on the edges. So you need to handle it with extreme care.

Prepare a separate box for storage. Best with a soft coating on the inside. Jewelry with this crystal should not be used on a daily basis. If you plan to do physical work or any household work, then the jewelry should be removed. Try not to let the stone hit and fall. Make sure that the stone is not exposed to aggressive chemical environment. Cleaning should be done no more than once every 3-5 months using a soft brush and a mild soap solution.

Spinel is a rather unusual and very beautiful gemstone. Due to its excellent brilliance, rich colors, as well as various physical properties, it can be safely attributed to the category of unusual and even rare stones. It is believed that spinel will bring love and a happy life to its owner. However, it should be borne in mind that the nature of this mineral is very changeable and requires careful attitude towards oneself.

From the Latin language, the name of the stone "spina" or "spinelle" literally translates as "small thorn", and the Greek word "spinos" means "spark, sparkle". In our country, the stone was named after the mountain where it was mined.

Spinel origin story

For the first time, spinel as a gem of jewelry became known from the famous traveler M. Polo, who visited the Pamir Mountains in the 13th century. It is here, in one of the Pamir regions, in the little-known Kukhilale deposit, that this stone has been mined since the 9th century. True, at that time it was constantly confused with rubies and corundums, so Marco Polo also called the current deposit of spinel stone “ruby mines”. Many years later, as a result of the development of science, it was found that spinel is a separate group of minerals with special physical properties.

Regardless of the name of the gem, spinel has been loved since ancient times, because many peoples considered this stone to be the most beautiful, expensive, luxurious and, most importantly, rare mineral.

It is worth noting the fact that it was with this gem of a unique dark red color that the imperial crown of Catherine 2 was inlaid in 1762. Spinel also adorned the famous "Cap of Monomakh".

For several centuries of its existence, this stone has been endowed with several names, the most famous of which are: lal, rubicel, celonite, picotite and noble spinel.

In Russia, this stone was also appreciated and was rightfully equated with emeralds, sapphires and amethysts. Today it can be found in jewelry along with pearls and diamonds.

Types and colors of gemstone

Due to the content of various impurities in spinel, this mineral can easily acquire any shades - from colorless to black. It is important to note that this stone can also vary in transparency: it ranges from transparent to cloudy.

Today, during the mining of the stone, spinel is found in the form of crystals of various sizes, which are often combined into druses.

A considerable number of varieties of gem are now known, which differ in color and degree of transparency. Spinel stone can be either colorless or have a blue, purple, blue, orange, pink, yellow, green, red and even black tint.

But the natural version of spinel is quite difficult to find today. Although there are many known mineral deposits in the world, the color of the stone mined in them "leaves much to be desired." If a gem-quality red spinel falls into the hands of a master, he will make every effort to show this stone in all its glory.

It is known that not all varieties of spinel in our time are precious stones and bear the title of jewelery. Now mineralogists have identified a large number of natural varieties of stone, while its shades of dark color (black, brown) belong to ordinary spinels and are not used in jewelry production.

The most valuable among specialists is considered to be spinel of red and orange shades, which in their color strongly resemble modern ruby, as well as gems of neon and dark blue shades. Unfortunately, today large and natural specimens of this gem are quite rare, so their cost, you guessed it, is considerable.

Spinel, created in the laboratory, can come in a variety of colors, the most popular of which is blue. In appearance, this stone is very similar to sapphire or aquamarine.

Mineral deposits

Large-scale and well-known mineral deposits are located in Thailand, Kampuchea, Vietnam. Less famous deposits are found in Australia, India and Madagascar.

The most expensive types of red spinel are found in Myanmar, while blue ones are in Sri Lanka.

Spinel price

Since this stone is a rather expensive mineral, therefore, its low price should immediately alert you so as not to buy yourself a fake. For example, the cost of 1 carat of the most inexpensive spinel model (gray-blue) is about $ 25. Purple spinel often goes up to $ 200. A pink and blue spinel costs between $ 100 and $ 300. The price of the rarest and most famous red spinel reaches over $ 600 per 1 carat.

Scientific research into the synthesis of spinel was quickly crowned with success, although the first result obtained was truly coincidental. But it was he who served as the impetus for the work on the production of synthetic spinel, the study of its properties and practical application.

Currently, this synthetic mineral is widely used in a wide variety of devices as an optical and dielectric material.

Synthetic spinel is not widely used as a raw material for jewelry. For these purposes, spinels are most often used, painted in bright colors with the help of chromium, manganese, iron, copper and cobalt.

Spinel stone and its magical properties

Spinel is rightfully considered a stone with strong magical properties. He can easily change a person's life for the better, and even revive a person who has given up on himself again. However, he helps only sincere people with the best intentions. It is to them that he is able to bring love and good luck, help develop the gift of foresight, predict the future and fulfill the intended goals.

Then, as greedy and evil people, it is better not to even touch this stone, since it is even capable of destroying them.

Energetically, spinel is tied to three celestial bodies - Jupiter, Venus and the Sun, therefore the mineral can work both at full power and partially, its effect on a person is changeable.

The magical properties of the stone are best manifested when it is set in gold. In the East, spinel has been widely used to attract the sexual energy of both partners, as well as to restore masculine strength. For unmarried women, the stone helped attract love and passion into their lives.

The healing properties of the gem

The miraculous healing properties of the stone have been known to the people since ancient times. They were first described by the famous healer and occultist Paracelsus, who widely used the powder of this stone to treat a variety of diseases.

According to modern experts, spinel perfectly helps to cope with many of our health problems. It has general strengthening properties, activates blood circulation, helps to treat various skin diseases, has a positive effect on myopia, relieves joint and muscle pain. Moreover, different colors of spinel have different healing properties:

• The red stone improves and promotes blood circulation, strengthens the immune system and supports the body in case of paralysis. In the East, in ancient times, red spinel was considered an excellent sexual stimulant and was used by men to attract women. Ancient sorcerers used this red-colored stone to make amulets, which were used to increase sexual activity. It is for this reason that it is not recommended to give a red stone to children and adolescents, so as not to strengthen their temperament at such a vulnerable age.
• The green stone relieves headaches and joint pains, helps people suffering from heart problems, as well as normalizes blood pressure and restores metabolism. Also, green spinel helps with eye problems.
• Pink spinel has a calming effect, helps heal skin conditions and relieve insomnia.
• The blue stone will help with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as diseases of the lungs, kidneys, endocrine system and liver.
• A black gem will relieve pain in wounds and bruises, increase blood pressure, improve well-being and reduce all types of bleeding.

Spinel and zodiac signs

It is best to wear spinel in jewelry in earrings and a ring worn on the index or ring finger of your left hand. Most of all, it suits all the fire signs of the Zodiac (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), as well as Aquarius and Capricorn. He is able to improve their physical, intellectual and volitional qualities, as well as add energy and a surge of strength.

It's important to note that spinel jewelry is also useful for signs like Libra and Taurus. And for Pisces, he will be the best of all they are offered. For representatives of these signs, spinel will give additional strength. This is especially necessary for those whose work is associated with constant travel and the need to quickly make the right decisions.

Diamond - description and properties of the stone Garnet - a stone of love and fidelity

Colors than spinel. This bright mineral with a light tint gives charm and warmth. Spinel (a stone, properties, the zodiac sign of which we will consider in this article) will certainly bring a happy life and love to its owner. But you need to know that this mineral has a changeable character, and requires careful attitude and care to itself.

Description

Spinel is a jewelry gemstone (properties, zodiac sign, which it suits, we will consider in this article). It is classified as a rare and unusual crystal due to its rich color, physical properties and luster. Minerals are generally small in size. But sometimes specimens over a foot long and weighing about a pound may come across.

Depending on the terrain, color and transparency, the stones have different names: lal, noble spinel, celonite, rubicel, picotite. Crystals have a bright glassy luster. Pure stones are colorless and transparent, but they are very rare in nature. The red color of the cameos determines the presence of chromium ions. A lilac-red hue is associated with the presence of manganese, and a yellowish hue with an admixture of iron. The spinel hardness is 8. This is 2 units less than that of a diamond.

History

As a valuable gemstone, this mineral was first mentioned in the 13th century. At that time, these crystals were being mined in the Kuhilale deposit.

Only in the 19th century, due to the development of science, it turned out that spinel (a stone, properties, the zodiac sign of which has been interesting to people for a long time) has only inherent physical properties, and also belongs to a separate group of minerals. Many jewelry was then examined, and it turned out that the stones that were mistaken for rubies were in fact spinels. The Black Prince's Ruby is one of the most famous such stones in history. It was presented to the Prince of Wales and Aquitaine for military prowess in 1376 by the King of Castile.

Henry V, who always carried it with him, began to own the famous mineral in 1415. During the Hundred Years War, with a blow of the sword in one battle, the monarch's helmet was split, while the king himself remained alive. Therefore, it is believed that the stone saved his life.

Ruby of the Black Prince disappeared during the bourgeois revolution and returned to the royal family in 1660 during the restoration of the monarchy. From that moment on, he adorns the crowns of the monarchs of Great Britain.

The "Timur's Ruby" crystal, which once belonged to the conqueror Tamerlane, weighs 361 carats. In the Louvre lies the spinel that adorned the crown of the monarchs of France. The weight of this stone is 105 carats.

The Diamond Fund of our capital still houses a deep-red crystal, which was the adornment of the crown of Catherine the Great. Until recently, all these gems were considered natural rubies, and only with the help of progressive diagnostic methods, scientists were able to establish their true origin.

Spinel deposits

In the Pamirs, in the mines of Badakhshan, spinel is mined (the stone, properties, zodiac sign and other details concerning it, we consider in this article). This mountain system runs through the territories of Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The twin of the ruby ​​is also actively mined in Thailand. There are deposits in the Chantabu area. There the mineral is found together with garnets and sapphires. The place was mentioned by Marco Polo under the name "Pomegranate Mines". Burma and Ceylon are also famous for their mineral deposits. Russia is not rich in spinel. Jewelry samples were found only near the river. Slyudyanka.

The Malobystrinskoye field is also located near Lake Baikal. But here, colorless spinel is the rarest type of mineral. It is valued much less than red, and is of great interest to geologists. The Urals are also famous for gems. Although only one spinel color was found here - a green stone. The mineral is found in the Kochkar region in the south of the ridge. Due to its color, it is often mistaken for an emerald.

There are also shades. They are also mined in the Kochkar region (Kamenka river). The largest spinel crystals are found in Yakutia in Russia. In this place, at the Emeljak deposit in the Republic of Sakha, black specimens are found. Emeljak spinel (stone) reaches a size of 8-12 cm. Its properties are similar to other types of mineral, with a special name - hercynite.

Varieties

The stone has a large number of varieties, which differ in color and transparency.

Represents transparent crystals of various beautiful shades. The main deposits of these stones are Ceylon, Borneo and India:

• purple - oriental amethyst;
• ruby stone - deep red spinel;
• orange-red - rubicella;
• pink - ruby ​​ballet;
• pale blue or blue - sapphire spinel.

Common spinel, pleonaste or ceylonite are distinguished by their iron content. Has a dark brown or dark green color. In our country, many pleonaste deposits are located in the Shishim and Nazyam mountains, in the Urals.

Black picotite or chrome spinel. In this stone, some of the aluminum has been replaced by chromium.

Zinc spinel or ganite has a blue tint, occasionally with a purple tint. Here magnesium is replaced by zinc and iron.

Healing properties

The red mineral can support the human body against various viral diseases, stimulate the immune system and improve blood circulation. The mineral powder was used in ancient times to improve complexion and heal the stomach. It is believed that it can relieve bad dreams and cure low back pain.

The green mineral stabilizes metabolism and blood pressure, helps with joint pain and eye diseases. The pink crystal is used for skin diseases. It heals nerves and normalizes sleep. Lithotherapists recommend wearing a black gem for hypotonic patients. Plus, it can relieve pain and reduce bleeding. For diseases of the kidneys, lungs and liver, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and the endocrine system, blue spinel will help - a stone, the properties of which we consider in detail in this article.

Ancient use for treatment

The stone is very fragile, therefore, it can be easily pulverized. In ancient times, healers used this property of a gem, and the resulting powder was used to treat wounds and burns.

Magical properties

The other side of the spinel stone is also interesting. Its magical properties can radically change human destiny for the better. But the gem helps only kind, sincere people who have good intentions. The crystal of its owner will rejuvenate spiritually and physically, energize, bring happiness and help find friends. In the East, red gems are considered excellent sexual stimulants. Therefore, they are recommended for young people to attract the attention of women and increase sexual activity.

Mineral rings or earrings can attract love and family happiness. An amulet with a crystal was worn in Europe for quick rejuvenation. It was believed that he was able to prolong the years. The overcoat is considered a talisman for people whose work requires quick decisions, as well as for travelers. You cannot wear a talisman on yourself all the time. The stone can pump up energy, but it can also deprive its owner of the strength.

A bit of astrology

It is recommended to wear various jewelry with the mineral as an amulet for Libra, Pisces and Taurus. In their life, this will attract the favor of the opposite sex and good luck. The stone for Pisces women will be a special support. The crystal is most suitable for people born under the sign of Leo. Thanks to him, they will be able to improve volitional, as well as intellectual abilities, receive additional energy and strength. Cancers are better off not wearing jewelry made from these gems. For people who were born under this zodiac sign, the gem can make them too lazy.

Amulets and talismans

As mentioned above, a stone for Pisces, Leo, Taurus and Libra is excellent as a talisman. The gem is completely unsuitable for Cancers and Scorpions. His spinel can make people lazy and "blind in life." It is interesting that the representatives of these signs stop noticing flattery, lies, and danger. For all other people, space information channels can open if they carry a spinel stone with them.

Who is the mineral suitable for in terms of the professional field of activity? It is ideal for people who need to quickly make various decisions, often find themselves on business trips. These people choose spinel as their amulet. This mineral especially protects and becomes an excellent assistant to drivers, air traffic controllers, doctors, journalists. Apparently, the stone helped Paracelsus in the treatment of people, as well as to learn new things, to make the right decisions.

Other application

The spinel gem is a gemstone. What is made of it? Red spinel is mainly used on necklaces and rings. Most of the large famous rubies in crowns, royal attire, treasuries turned out to be fake for a reason. Large grenades are almost never found. More often, impressive spinel stones are found. High-ranking persons wanted to take possession of large crystals that would emphasize their status and wealth. As a result, the seekers turned out to be the owners of the spinel stone. At the same time, the price was paid, as if for a grenade.

The twin mineral in jewelry replaces more than just rubies. Blue spinel goes for sapphires, for emeralds - green. Black samples are sometimes passed off as diamonds. Therefore, when buying earrings or brooches, you should check the quality certificate that is attached to the stone. Jewelers call transparent samples of a bright tone noble spinel. At the same time, the term "ordinary spinel" is indicated - this is a slightly dull brown, black or green spinel (a stone, the properties of which are given in the article above).

Jewelry craftsmen use natural synthetic stone more often. Differences from the real mineral are practically invisible. Such crystals have the 2nd refraction of light. Therefore, it is practically impossible to visually distinguish artificial inserts from sapphire, garnet, topaz. This is what manufacturers use. If connoisseurs can identify a natural mineral, then an ordinary person can only carry a stone for examination.

Care

When buying such jewelry, you need to understand that the gem is very fragile and can wear off on the edges over time. Because of this, it should be handled with care. It is better to store jewelry with minerals in a special box with a soft inner cover. Be sure to film before doing any physical work. It is not recommended to wear jewelry with such a crystal every day.

The stone should be protected from impacts, falls, contact with a chemical environment. The gem should be cleaned once every 3-5 months with soapy water using a soft toothbrush.