Colors
- Vivid red
- Cobalt blue
- Bright pink
- Bright orange
- Violet
- Purple
- Green
- Brown
- Gray
- Black
Browse other gems by color: Red · Blue · Pink · Orange · Purple · Green · Black
Where Spinel comes from
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Sri Lanka
- Tajikistan
- Vietnam
- Tanzania
- Pakistan
- Afghanistan
Spinel meaning and history
Spinel was confused with ruby until 1783; the "Black Prince's Ruby" in England's Imperial State Crown is a spinel.
Meanings and powers attributed to gems are history and folklore. We report them; we do not claim a stone can do anything.
How hard is Spinel?
Spinel is 8 on the Mohs scale, where talc is 1, quartz 7 and diamond 10. Toughness, its resistance to chipping and breaking: good, which makes it a durable choice for jewelry.
See every birthstone on the hardness chart
How to clean and care for Spinel
| Warm soapy water | Safe |
|---|---|
| Ultrasonic cleaner | Usually safe (fractures can be a problem) |
| Steam cleaner | Usually safe (fractures can be a problem) |
Heat, light and chemicals: Stable to light and common chemicals; high heat can fade some colors.
Treatments to ask about
Some spinel is heat treated (stable). Fracture filling is rare.
Can you wear Spinel every day?
Good for everyday wear Durable for most jewelry, including rings, with a little care. Check other stones.
Compare Spinel
Peridot vs Spinel · Spinel vs Sardonyx · Ruby vs Spinel
Frequently asked questions
What is Spinel?
A hard, durable gem that is often mistaken for ruby or pink sapphire. Added as an August birthstone in 2016.
What month is Spinel the birthstone for?
August. It shares the month with Peridot and Sardonyx.
How hard is Spinel?
8 on the Mohs scale. Toughness: good, which makes it a durable choice for jewelry.
How do you clean Spinel?
Warm soapy water: safe. Ultrasonic cleaner: usually safe (fractures can be a problem). Steam: usually safe (fractures can be a problem).
What does Spinel symbolize?
Spinel was confused with ruby until 1783; the "Black Prince's Ruby" in England's Imperial State Crown is a spinel. These are traditions and history, not claims about what the stone can do.
Sources
- GIA: Spinel care and cleaning (hardness, toughness, stability, cleaning, treatments)
- AGS: Spinel (what it is, colors, sources, history)
- American Gem Society: Birthstones (birthstone months)
Checked October 16, 2026.