mineral

Red Spinel

Spinel (MgAl2O4)

Hardness: 8 on Mohs scale; Color: Intense vivid pink to purplish-red; Luster: Vitreous to sub-adamantine; Crystal System: Isometric (cubic), often forming octahedral crystals; Cleavage: Poor or none, uneven to conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 3.58 - 3.61.

Hardness: 8 on Mohs scale
Color: Intense vivid pink to purplish-red
Luster: Vitreous to sub-adamantine

Identified July 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily through contact or regional metamorphism of limestones and dolomites, or as primary minerals in mafic igneous rocks. Famous localities include Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Tajikistan (Pamir Mountains), and Vietnam.

Uses & applications

Highly prized gemstone for fine jewelry (rings, necklaces, brooches) and a top-tier specimen for mineral collectors. Historically used as a cheaper alternative to ruby, though fine natural spinels now command premium prices on their own merit.

Geological facts

For centuries, red spinels were mistaken for rubies. Famous gems like the 'Black Prince's Ruby' and the 'Timur Ruby' in the British Crown Jewels are actually large, historic red spinels. Chromium gives red spinel its intense fiery glow under UV light.

Field identification & locations

Field identification involves its extreme hardness (8), lack of true cleavage, octahedral habit, and isotropic optical behavior under cross-polarized light (unlike doubly-refractive ruby). Look for bright red crystals perched on white marble or calcite matrix.