August is the time to enjoy the glory of sun-soaked beaches with gleaming sunshine combating your tropical cravings. But, you can’t hit the sandy coasts without carrying the sunny gem with you, can you? Yes, I’m hinting at Peridots, the official August birthstone. But who doesn’t wish for a pop of hues in their jewelry from time to time whether it’s August or December? That’s when the spinel gemstone, another August birthstone, makes a grand entry.
Lesser Known Facts About Spinel Gemstone
There’s much more to spinels than meets your eyes. Let’s see how spinel gemstones have been acing the bling game.
1. Mystical Beginnings & Composition
Spinel is a bit quirky for the name of a gemstone, right? Here’s the backstory. Spinel gemstone got its name from the Latin word “spina” translating to “thorn”. And that’s because the spinel crystals are in the shape of a spine.
Talking about their physical and chemical composition, spinel belongs to a group of minerals. But, only one mineral type is of gem quality. Spinel was long believed to be corundum since both minerals are found in the same geographical locations. Another reason is that spinel shares a sharp resemblance with rubies and sapphires which are corundum minerals only.
2. Historical Occurrence
Red spinels’ striking similarity to rubies made them a cherished relic throughout history. Take the instance of 170ct Black Prince Ruby on the British Imperial State Crown. It was thought to be a ruby until it was discovered to be a red spinel.
And how can we not mention the giant 352.54ct Timur Ruby which is again a red spinel gemstone? There are numerous other regal spinels set on the imperial crowns of several kingdoms across the world.
3. Lab-Grown Spinels On the Way!
Did you know about synthetic spinels? Yes, spinel gemstone is produced in labs as well. That means even if fine-quality spinels are rare, they can still be created artificially. Red and blue spinels relate to rubies and blue sapphires respectively. Likewise, light blue and green synthetic spinels are good alternatives to aquamarine and emerald gemstones. I can’t stop admiring how creatively spinels can work as an alternative to so many pricy gemstones.
Astrological Significance of Spinel Gemstone
You must have heard of sardonyx, the traditional August birthstone. Meet the modern ones – yellowish-green peridots and multi-colored spinels. If you are born under Aries, Scorpio, Taurus or Sagittarius astrological sign, then spinel is your compatible birthstone. Let’s dive deeper into its astrological benefits.
1. Enhanced Emotional Stability
A spinel birthstone, with its calming effects, can help you stabilize your emotional health. If you’re dealing with stress or anxiety issues, you can achieve tranquility by keeping a spinel gem close to you.
2. Attract Positive & Dispel Negative Vibes
A positive mind can get over a malnourished body and a lethargic soul. If you’re willing to change the course of your life, adopt a positive attitude with a spinel gemstone. It can neutralize negative energy and infuse harmony and balance in your life.
3. Source of Vitality
Do you also want to channel your strength in the right direction? Let spinel birthstone lead the way for you. Spinel can activate the energy chakras of the body that can refill your enthusiasm level.
4. Boost to Creativity
A shout out to all the creative souls at heart! Wearing a spinel gemstone can enhance your imagination power to think out of the box and take daring steps. Thus, if you’re a professional artist, spinel can be your best mate in your journey to success.
Why Choose Spinel Gemstone?
Now that you know how special spinels are, here are some other compelling reasons to go for these lively gemstones. Check out spinel benefits.
1. Affordable Prices
The four precious gemstones might cost you a fortune to own. But, spinel is a semi-precious variety that comes with an affordable price tag. You can get a much bigger spinel gemstone at a much lower price than precious gems. Now, that’s undoubtedly an amazing deal given that spinels mimic several other precious and semi-precious gemstones.
2. A Pop of Rainbow Colors
Spinel gemstone is available in a wide spectrum of hues, including all the shades in a rainbow. Blushing pink, hazy purple, citric yellow, tangy orange and stunning black are to name a few. Some natural spinels even exhibit enticing color-changing phenomena like alexandrites.
But the most cherished and desirable ones are red and blue spinels, hence also the most expensive category. Lately, hot pink and black-hued spinels are also making a splash as alternatives to pink sapphires and black diamonds.
3. Alternative Stone for Rubies
Precious rubies are unmatched for their exceptional beauty and deep symbolism. Nevertheless, the finest quality rubies also command soaring prices. But with red spinel gemstone in the frame, you need not splurge on ruby jewels. A red spinel engagement ring or necklace promises the same grandeur at much lower prices. Now, that’s a win-win.
4. Alternative Stone for Blue Sapphires
Did you always dream of adorning Princess Diana’s blue sapphire engagement ring? Don’t let the high prices of blue sapphire discourage you. Cobalt blue spinel might work as a good imposter to the royal blue sapphires. Now, finding an ideal blue spinel gemstone with intense shades of blue sapphire is our job. If this is what fascinates your heart, we’re ready to stay while you’re all set to slay.
Spinels & Celebrity Connection
Even showbiz celebrities couldn’t ignore the ethereal charm of spinel gemstones. Beyonce, Madison Marlow, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga are among a few Hollywood divas who fashioned spinels effortlessly. From red carpets of award nights to high-profile fashion gatherings, spinels have walked every star-decked ramp.
Have a look at Zendaya’s Bulgari Serpenti necklace. The 25.70ct pink spinel will take away your heart in a flash of light. Did you also take it for a pink sapphire? But trust us, it’s a spinel!
Explore Heavenly Bliss with GemsNY
Though spinel birthstone is exclusively for August borns, that couldn’t stop you from adorning yourself with this gemstone. Anyone can style spinel jewelry as a fashion emblem regardless of their zodiac symbol or birth month.
Whether you wish to make a statement or harness its astrological powers, we have got you covered with spinel jewelry. Make your own spinel rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets with our exclusive range of loose natural red and blue spinels.
And it’s not just spinel gemstone, we’ve a lot more to offer. From loose gems to preset rings, earrings & pendants studded with precious gemstones, what would you like to discover first? Check out our spinel collection here. Shop today and set them later in a piece of custom spinel jewelry. Once you do, share your experience on GemsNY reviews.
FAQ
1. How can I wear a spinel birthstone?
It’s easy-peasy. You can wear a spinel birthstone in rings, bracelets, earrings or pendants with suitable jewelry settings. Wearing a spinel of any color variety can help you absorb the celestial powers of this gemstone.
2. Can I wear spinel jewelry every day?
Spinels rate 8 on the 10-point Mohs hardness scale which is a decent score. So, yes, you can wear your spinel gemstone jewelry every day but with proper care and maintenance.
3. What is a better choice – a red spinel or a blue spinel?
Both red and blue spinel are wonderful choices. You can pick any one of them depending on your personal preference. While a red spinel resonates with the fiery red rubies, a blue spinel resembles the vivid shades of blue sapphires.
4. Can I wear a synthetic spinel as the August birthstone?
Yes, you can wear a lab-created spinel as the August birthstone. However, if you wish to wear it for astrological purposes, it is best to go with a natural spinel gemstone. Consult your astrologer for more insights.
5. How to take care of spinel gemstone jewelry?
Clean your spinel jewelry in a mild soap solution with a soft brush and lukewarm water. Store the jewelry in a separate pouch to prevent scratching from harder gemstones. Take your spinel jewelry to your jeweler for thorough inspection and fixing of loose settings, if any.
