Spinel is one of the hardest gems. Hardness is the resistance of a material to being scratched. A high hardness helps a gem resist abrasion without scratching. This is a very important property for gems that will be worn for years – or for a lifetime. Today an increasing number of couples are selecting colored stones for…

Luster is the intensity and quality of light that is reflected from the surface of a gem. The first (or the next) opportunity that you have to see a spinel, play it under a light. You will be impressed by its brilliant luster! Spinel has the ability to accept one of the brightest polishes of all…

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 is a new birthstone with vivid colors that span the spectrum. It has a spectacular luster, excellent durability, and its current price might be at a low that you will never see again. Here are 13 reasons why I believe that spinel is one of the world’s most overlooked gems.