Introduction
August is a special month for those celebrating their birthdays, offering a choice between two beautiful gemstones: Peridot and Spinel. While Peridot's vibrant green hues have long been a favorite, Spinel is making a notable entrance as the new birthstone for August. Known for its captivating range of colors and impressive history, Spinel is gaining recognition and appreciation in the world of gemstones. If you're intrigued by this gem's unique charm and rich background, read on to discover why Spinel might be the perfect birthstone.
What is the August Birthstone?
August has two birthstones: Peridot and Spinel. If you're born in August, you can pick between Peridot, a light green, or Spinel, purple, pink, or blue.
Spinel
Spinel is one of August's birthstones, along with Peridot. Although Spinel has been less well-known than rubies and sapphires, it's finally getting the attention it deserves. People often confuse Spinel with rubies and sapphires because they look similar and are found in the same places. But Spinel is different from rubies and sapphires in its chemical makeup.
What Color is the Spinel August Birthstone?
Spinel comes in many colors, like orange, pink, purple, and black. The rarest and most prized colors are red and blue, which can be as bright and vivid as rubies and sapphires; because of this, blue and red spinels are also the most expensive. Pink Spinel is popular for its bright, bubblegum-like color and is great for romantic jewelry. Black Spinel is trendy for its unique look, similar to black diamonds.
The price of a spinel gem depends on its color and how vibrant it is, so the most intense colors are the most costly. Some rare spinels can even change color under different lights, adding to their value.
What is the Meaning of Spinel?
The name "spinel" might come from the Latin word "spina," meaning "thorn," because its crystals can look like thorns. Since Spinel was often mistaken for rubies and sapphires, it has different old traditions and meanings than many other gems. However, Spinel is linked with joy and energy and is thought to bring positivity to the wearer. It's also believed to help people relax, especially those who work extremely hard or have trouble unwinding.
Where Does Spinel Come From?
Spinel is typically found in places where rubies and sapphires are also mined, like Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. Recently, Spinel has also been discovered in Africa, Australia, Russia, and Vietnam. The location of the Spinel can affect its price. For instance, red Spinel from Myanmar or Tanzania is very rare and can cost thousands of dollars per carat.
Spinel in History
Spinel was only identified as a separate gemstone around 1850. Before that, many red stones were called rubies because people only classified gems by color. As a result, Spinel has a somewhat unclear history. Many famous "rubies" from history are actually spinels, including the famous 170-carat Black Prince's Ruby, which is set in England's Imperial Crown.
The Black Prince's Ruby has an exciting history filled with intrigue. Though most people know it's actually Spinel, not Ruby, its size and history are impressive. The stone, roughly 2 inches high and wide, weighs about 170 carats and is said to be the size of a chicken egg.
The Black Prince's Ruby was initially backed with gold foil and had a hole drilled for a necklace. A small ruby now covers this hole. The stone's dramatic history started in 1366 when Don Pedro of Castile stole it from a Moorish prince's body. A year later, Don Pedro used it as payment to the Black Prince, Edward of Woodstock, for his help in a rebellion.
The ruby was almost destroyed in 1415 during the Battle of Agincourt while in Henry V's helmet. Legend says it saved Henry V's life by deflecting a blow. The gem was passed down through British kings and set in England's state crown by James I. In the 1600s, it was briefly sold but later returned and set in Charles II's crown.
The Spinel has faced danger several times: it was nearly stolen by Colonel Blood, was saved from a Tower fire in 1841, and survived a WWII bombing attack. Today, it is safely displayed in the Tower of London, set in the Imperial State Crown above the Cullinan II diamond.
Another famous spinel is the Timur Ruby, which is now in Queen Elizabeth's crown and weighs over 350 carats. It is engraved with the names of Persian emperors who once owned it.
Both the Black Prince's Ruby and the Timur Ruby likely came from the famous Badakhshan mines located on the border of Afghanistan & Tajikistan. These mines produced many large and fine spinels between 1000 and 1900 AD. One such Spinel, the Samarian Spinel, weighing 500 carats, was believed to have been part of the Biblical golden calf and is now in the Iranian crown jewels.
Is Spinel Durable?
Spinel is quite durable, scoring 8 out of 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This means it's a great choice for everyday jewelry because it can handle wear and tear. Spinel also has a high refractive index, so it sparkles nicely. Plus, it's generally more affordable than rubies or sapphires.
However, a red spinel from Myanmar is very rare and can cost thousands of dollars per carat, even more than some diamonds.
How to Buy Spinel Jewelry?
Finding spinel jewelry can be tough, both in stores and online. Many big retailers don't sell Spinel because it's not as popular as sapphires, rubies, or emeralds. The best place to find high-quality spinel jewelry is in stores offering custom-made jewelry services. They can help you find a great Spinel that fits your budget and create a custom setting just for you.
Conclusion
Spinel's rise as August's newest birthstone brings a fresh and exciting option to those born in this month. With its dazzling array of colors, intriguing history, and remarkable durability, Spinel is more than just a beautiful gemstone - it's a symbol of joy, energy, and enduring value. Whether you're looking for a unique piece of jewelry or simply captivated by the gem's storied past, Spinel offers a fascinating alternative to traditional birthstones. Embrace the allure of Spinel and celebrate your August birthday with a gem that truly shines.
