Spinel: The "Great Impostor" Gem That Deserves Its Own Spotlight - And Is Finally Stealing the Show

Picture this: you’ve been living under an assumed identity for centuries, hanging out with royalty, starring in crown jewels, and everyone keeps calling you by the wrong name. Talk about an identity crisis! That’s the dramatic life story of spinel, the gemological world’s ultimate undercover agent. For hundreds of years, this stunning stone was the doppelgänger for ruby, fooling kings, queens, and jewelers alike. But the jig is up, and spinel is finally stepping out of the shadows to claim the spotlight it so richly deserves. It’s like the plot of a royal drama, but with better jewelry.

This isn’t just a story of mistaken identity; it’s a tale of a gem coming into its own. Now an official August birthstone alongside peridot, spinel offers a rainbow of colors, incredible durability, and a fascinating history that’s perfect for anyone who loves a gem with a good backstory. Let’s pull back the velvet curtain and get to know the real star of the show.

The Royal Impersonator: A History of Mistaken Identity

Spinel’s greatest hits are all cases of classic gemstone fraud—completely accidental, of course. Some of the most famous “rubies” in the world are actually spinels wearing a clever disguise.

The most infamous imposter is the Black Prince’s Ruby, a massive 170-carat red gem that takes center stage on the British Imperial State Crown. This stone has been passed down through Spanish and English royalty since the 14th century, surviving battles, fires, and attempted thefts, all while everyone thought it was a ruby. Spoiler alert: it’s a spinel. Then there’s the Timur Ruby, a 361-carat beast that’s also part of the British Crown Jewels. Its name is a double misnomer—not only is it not a ruby, but it’s also not from Timor. It’s a spinel, likely from the historic mines of Tajikistan, and it’s engraved with the names of the Mughal emperors who once owned it.

How did this happen? For centuries, all red gemstones were loosely termed “rubies.” Since spinel and ruby are often found in the same mines—like the legendary Mogok Valley in Myanmar—the confusion was understandable. It wasn’t until 1783 that a clever mineralogist figured out how to tell them apart. Imagine the royal embarrassment!

More Than Just a Ruby Lookalike: The Dazzling Colors of Spinel

If you think spinel is just a ruby impersonator, think again. This gem is a rainbow in a rock, coming in a spectacular array of colors that would make a peacock jealous.

While the finest red spinels, colored by chromium, give rubies a run for their money, the color palette doesn’t stop there. Here’s the spectrum of spinel splendor:

• Fiery Reds & Pretty Pinks: The classics, ranging from a sunset pink to a traffic-stop red.
• Rare Cobalt Blues: Thanks to trace elements of cobalt, these are the unicorns of the spinel world—incredibly rare and deeply desired.
• Vibrant Violets & Lavenders: Stones from Vietnam, in particular, are known for their pure, almost electric lavender hues.
• Sophisticated Grays: Don’t let the name fool you—these are chic, modern, and often have subtle blue or purple undertones.
• Even Black and Colorless: For those who love a little edge or pure brilliance.

What makes this color parade even better? Spinel is typically not treated. Unlike many other gemstones that are heated or irradiated to enhance their color, what you see with spinel is what Mother Nature created. It’s the all-natural, organic, free-range chicken of the gem world.

Built to Last: Why Spinel is a Brilliant Choice for Jewelry

A beautiful gem is nice, but a beautiful gem that can handle your daily adventures is a keeper. Spinel scores an 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it exceptionally durable for everyday rings, earrings, and bracelets. For comparison, that’s harder than tanzanite, emerald, and even your phone screen. It’s a gem that can keep up with your life, from board meetings to brunch dates.

Its brilliance is right up there with sapphire, meaning it has a fantastic sparkle that doesn’t quit. And because it’s singly refractive (unlike a diamond, which is doubly refractive), it doesn’t split light into two rays, giving it a clean, sharp sparkle.

A Gem of a Story: Spinel’s Global Passport

Part of spinel’s charm is its global pedigree. Unlike some gems that hail from one primary location, spinel has been found in fascinating locales around the world, each with its own characteristic stones.

• Myanmar (Burma): The source of the most coveted “Jedi” spinels—intense red-pink stones with a neon glow. This is the old-school, classic origin.
• Tanzania (Mahenge): A relative newcomer that shook the gem world with its vibrant, hot pink stones discovered in 2007.
• Vietnam (Luc Yen): Famous for its stunning lavender and the ultra-rare, electric cobalt blue spinels that can command prices rivaling fine sapphires.
• Sri Lanka & Tajikistan: Ancient sources that have supplied spinels to royalty for over a thousand years.

Your Turn to Shine: How to Wear Spinel

Now that you’re in on the secret, how do you make this gem your own? The beauty of spinel is its versatility.

For a truly unique engagement ring that’s both meaningful and durable, a spinel center stone is a show-stopping choice. Its rarity and lack of treatments make it a deeply personal symbol. Explore our bridal collection for inspiration.

Looking for a pop of color? A pair of spinel earrings or a spinel pendant can add a touch of royal-worthy elegance to any outfit. And for the August babies out there tired of the same old green, spinel is your new, glamorous birthstone upgrade.

At Robinson’s, guided by our GIA Graduate Gemologist, we are passionate about curating exceptional spinel jewelry. We seek out stones with that perfect combination of mesmerizing color and expert cut, because a well-cut spinel is like a well-told joke—it lands perfectly.

The Impostor Becomes the Icon

Spinel has spent centuries as the understudy, but its time in the leading role has finally arrived. It offers everything you could want in a gemstone: a rich and royal history, a spectacular range of colors, outstanding durability, and the thrill of owning something truly special that not everyone knows about—yet.

Ready to meet the real star of the crown jewels? Explore our collection and discover the gem that’s been hiding in plain sight. It’s time to give the great impostor its own standing ovation.