Eos Silver

Spinel

Spinels come in a whole range of colours and show exceptional brilliance. The origin of its name is not quite clear but seems to be derived from either the Greek word “spinther” (spark) or the Latin term “spicum” (point). From a chemical viewpoint spinel is composed of magnesium aluminate and it is the inclusions of further elements such as chrome, iron, vanadium and cobalt that create the splendid array of colour hues.

Its crystal system is cubic, just like that of the diamond. Its brilliance is due to its high degree of hardness (Mohs scale 8), high density and high refraction level.

Spinel was only understood to be a mineral in its own right around 150 years ago. It had previously been attributed to the ruby and sapphire group of minerals as they were usually found together. Developments in laboratory analysis were later able to detect the differences in the structure of the crystal lattice. Some well known, albeit mistakenly declared as rubies are, for example, the “Black Prince Ruby” on the crown of England’s Crown Jewels as well as the “Timur Ruby” (361ct) in a Crown Jewel necklace.