Imagine this: you're a medieval king admiring a jewel glowing red like firelight in your crown, regarded as one of the finest rubies on Earth. Centuries later, gemologists take a closer look and whisper, “Surprise... that’s not a ruby. It’s spinel.”

That’s spinel’s story in a nutshell - the master of disguise. For hundreds of years, spinel played the part of ruby so convincingly that it adorned royal crowns and treasuries across Europe and Asia without anyone knowing. Only modern science revealed the truth.

Here’s another twist: Spinel comes in many colors, and is also one of August’s official birthstones, right alongside Peridot and Sardonyx. So if you or someone you love celebrates an August birthday, Spinel isn’t just a gorgeous choice; it’s a meaningful one too.

A Jewel with Royal Roots

Let’s go back to that royal crown. The massive red gemstone set into the front of the British Imperial State Crown? It's been known for centuries as the Black Prince’s Ruby, but it’s actually a red spinel. So is the famous Timur Ruby, another "ruby" in the British Crown Jewels, weighing in at over 352 carats. The Russian Imperial Crown also features an enormous red spinel.

Why all the confusion? Until the 19th century, spinel and ruby were indistinguishable to the naked eye - and even to early gemologists. Both form in similar environments and share intense color saturation, but spinel’s crystal structure and composition are unique.

For centuries, spinel played the crown jewel role; quietly and brilliantly. But spinel wasn’t just a stand-in - its beauty is the real deal, prized long before anyone even knew its name.

Not Just Red - A Whole Spectrum

Spinel doesn’t just stop at red - it dazzles across the color wheel, with each hue carrying its own unique energy, mood, and story. From regal classics to moody modern tones, spinel’s natural range is one of the reasons gem lovers and designers are falling for it all over again.

Here are just a few of the shades that show off spinel’s versatility:

Wine-Red: Deep and sultry, like aged cabernet in gem form - this shade feels like hidden royalty, refined and timeless.

Pastel Lavender-Blue: A soft pastel lavender-blue oval looks like morning fog crystallized, ethereal, and mysterious.

Cobalt Blue: Rare and striking, cobalt spinel is a true collector’s gem - vivid, saturated, and often mistaken for fine sapphire.

Mauve-Purple: A dreamy mauve-purple trillion cut that looks like a lavender twilight encapsulated in gemstone.

Whether you’re drawn to bold saturation or soft, silken tones, spinel has a shade that will speak to you.

Tough Enough for Everyday Magic

Each color of spinel is durable enough for everyday wear, making it as practical as it is beautiful. Spinel scores 8 on the Mohs scale, which means it’s tough enough to shine on your hand, wrist, or wherever you want to make a bold statement.

Why Spinel Wins Hearts at Baraka Gems

Spinel is rare, colorful, and durable - everything we look for in a gemstone with a story. Each one feels personal, a little unexpected, and full of character. Whether you’re drawn to regal reds or moody pastels, our handpicked pieces are ready to be made into your next signature jewel.

At Baraka Gems, we love working with spinel in our custom designs. Its versatility, rich color palette, and natural brilliance make it one of our favorite stones to bring bold, meaningful pieces to life.

Schedule an appointment with Baraka Gems in Seattle to see them sparkle in real life - because once spinel catches the light, it's unforgettable.