What color is spinel?

Spinel is every color!

Spinel is one of just a few gemstones that occurs in every color of the spectrum. Spinel can be red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet or purple. White, brown, black, gray, and colorless spinels also exist. The image at the top of this page demonstrates the spectacular range of spinel’s vivid colors.

Red and pink spinels receive their color from trace amounts of chromium. Many blue spinels receive their color from trace amounts of iron, but the most vibrant blues are colored by traces of cobalt. Purple and orange spinels are colored by traces of iron and chromium.