The only gem that is called a Ruby but it is not a Ruby. The large sized Rubies in the crown jewels of England are in fact Red Spinel. Almost all Red Spinels that were mined, cut and sold in the early 1900's were called Spinel.
The Underestimated Gem
Spinel in fact is a rare gem; Red Spinel in particular is extremely rare. However, it is relatively unknown for a very simple reason: that Spinel is never available in large quantities, especially in large sizes it is known to be a gem rarity. There are only a few mining countries in the world that mine Spinel and Red Spinel in particular is hardly mined in large crystals. Compared to other color varieties of Spinel. Because it is unknown, unfortunately jewelers simply assume that natural Spinel is as common as the man made variety.
Red Spinel by all means deserves much more appreciation, although many knowledgeable gem collectors appreciate Spinel. Most of the jewelers were unable to pay respect to this valuable gem by to sell Diamond, Ruby, Emerald or Sapphire because everyone knows about them! How many beautiful Red Spinel can they get? And mostly they can't sell what they don't know! "It is amazing that Red Spinel is a durable gem more brilliant, transparent and affordable than Ruby and jewelers still demand more Ruby" says a gem broker in Chantaburi, Thailand.
Color Is Not The Only Similarity Between Ruby and Spinel
The best Rubies and Spinels come from Burma. They both have the same reputation of quality. However, Sri-Lanka and Africa are known to be producers of the multi-colored Spinel. But nothing is like a Burma Red Spinel.
Flame Spinel
When Spinel is deep yellow orangy to light red-orange, it is called Flame Spinel. Flame Spinels are distinguished by its beautiful flame brilliance and fire.
All Spinels must have an orangy overtone, this overtone may vary from one color grade to another. The more Red Spinel is, the more valuable it is, the more brownish and orangy it the less valuable it is. However, a 20 to 25% of orange overtone is considered very acceptable among gem dealers. Pink Spinel is very special and is classified as rare as Flame color and Red Spinel, these color varieties are usually associated with Burma. IT IS ALWAYS NATURAL Unlike all Rubies, Red Spinel is never heated. until today no treatment is ever used for Spinel, at least not commercially traded. Red Spinels are sold in the trade in their natural condition. It is red, rare, durable, and beautiful, it is the kind of gem that when you see it, you can't fall in love with it.
Multi-Colored Spinel
Like Corundum, Spinel comes in a wide range of colors, besides it's most precious and valuable is in red color. Spinel comes in pink, blue, violet, orange, purple, white and black. The valuable colors are those colors that are closer to red on the spectrum scale; the pink and the orange (Flame) colors, blue, violet, and purple Spinel are beautiful gems but more common and mostly from Ceylonese origin.
Spinel Is Usually Flawless
Spinel in its color variety is usually classified as flawless gems. It is common to buy flawless blue or Purple Spinel at affordable prices.
Best Replacement For Sapphire
Because of its hardness, 8 on Mohs scale, blue, pink, orange, and purple Spinels make the best natural replacement for a pricey fancy color Sapphire, and white Sapphires are usually heated, Spinels are never treated. For those who are concerned about owning natural color gems that have never been enhanced, Spinel will make the best example.
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