Spinel - Bearing and meaning of a colourful gemstone
Spinel gives courage and confidence; full of energy, new projects can be started. The cubic structure of the mineral supports systematic thinking, consistent action and continuity in the realization of our plans - good prerequisites for the success of new projects! Spinel also enables us to accept our own weaknesses and motivates us not to lose courage after a setback. Thus strengthened, we can look joyfully into the new year.
Mineralogical profile of Spinel
Chemical Formula: MgAl2O4 + Co,Cr,Cu,Fe,Mn,Ti,V,Zn
Mineral Class: Magnesium aluminum oxide from the spinel group and the mineral class of oxides
Color: Colorless, red, orange-red, yellow, green, blue, brown, black. Pure Spinel is colorless. The different shades of Spinels are created by metal ions such as chromium, cobalt, iron, manganese and zinc.
Gloss: vitreous luster
Crystal system: cubic
Mohs hardness: 8
Cleavability: imperfect, uneven fracture, brittle
Localities: Russia, Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, USA, Pamir highlands (Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan), Madagascar, Vietnam, Myanmar. Spinels available wholesale and retail are mostly from Madagascar, Myanmar (Mogok) and Vietnam.
Formation: Primarily in pegmatites and volcanic rocks, more commonly Tertiary by contact metamorphism in marble, dolomitic marble, crystalline schists, Gneiss, and serpentinite
Appearance: Spinel crystals, which usually have a maximum size of only a few centimeters, are usually found in the form of octahedra or dodecahedra, often as twin crystals.
Availability: rare
Stinged beads, rings and earrings with Spinel as well as bracelets and necklaces at retailer prices
Origin of the name spinel and synonyms
The name Spinel was first used in the 16th century as a collective term for red gemstones. There are two theories for the origin of the name: Either Spinel is derived from the Greek "spin(n)os" (to sparkle) or from the Latin "spinella" (small thorn). Since the 16th century, various spellings of the mineral have been used in Europe, such as spynell, spinella, and spinellus. Today the spelling Spinel is common, occasionally Spinnell can be found. In old gemstone books Spinel stands for sparkling stone. From 1800, the name was used for Spinels in all colors.
Synonyms are lychnis and talc spinel. The different color varieties have their own names. Red: almandine ruby, almandine ruby, almandine spinel, balas ruby, precious spinel, carbuncle, ruby spinel, spinel ruby; orange-red: vinegar spinel, rubicell, Vermeille; Yellow: rubacell; Green: chlorospinell; Dark green to black: candite, ceylonite, pleonast, zeilanite; Brown: picotite; Blue: sapphirine, sapphire spinel; Purple: oriental amethyst.
Distinction Spinel - Corundum
Although Spinel has always been overshadowed by its "nobler" relatives in the Corundum family, Ruby and Sapphire, Spinel is also a valuable gemstone. Because of its high Mohs hardness of 8 and its very similar appearance, red Spinels were often mistaken for Rubies and blue ones for Sapphires. The most prominent example is the "Black Prince's Ruby" from the Crown of State of England. This large red Spinel, polished in an irregular cabochon shape, was for centuries for a Ruby, until gemmological investigations in the 20th century could clear up this error. In rough crystals the distinction is easy, since Spinels have a cubic crystal structure, while Rubies and Sapphires have a trigonal crystal structure. possess. Cut stones can only be distinguished from spinels and corundums by an expert using a polariscope or a refractometer due to the different refraction of light and different optical properties.
Applications of Spinel in gemstone healing
Stone healing attributes the following properties to spinel: It promotes a life-affirming, positive attitude, gives vigor, temperament and dynamism. It helps to accept oneself as one is. Contemporaries who are quickly enthusiastic but abandon their plans just as quickly, it gives them more stability and stamina. Black Spinel is used when constructive energy and modesty are required; discipline and sense of duty are strengthened. are strengthened. Since Spinel forms only quite small crystals (usually up to about 2cm), usually only cabochons for jewelry or balls, buttons, etc. for chain strands can be cut.
Astrological assignment of Spinel
The American author Melody assigns the Spinels to the signs of the zodiac according to their colors.
dark blue and colorless: Sagittarius
blue: Gemini
green and brown: Cancer
orange: Aries
red: Scorpio
black: Taurus
purple: Virgo
Walter von Holst assigns red spinel to the zodiac sign Aries.
Spinel earrings, rings, necklace, bracelets and stringed beads at wholesale prices