Spinel

Spinel specimens for sale

96 for sale · $14–$32,000 USD

146 in the gallery

Spinel is a mineral species with the formula MgAl2O4. It forms in isometric, octahedral crystals and can display a glassy to adamantine luster. Colors range from deep red to pink, orange, blue, and even black, with color caused by trace elements such as chromium and iron. The mineral often occurs in metamorphic and ultramafic settings and is commonly found in corundum-bearing rocks, chromian-rich spinel lodes, and skarns.

Formula
MgAl2O4
Rarity
Common
Stability
Stable
Collector interest
Moderate Interest
Classification notes
Oxides; spinel group (cubic)

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Where Spinel is found

About Spinel

Prominent specimens have come from Myanmar (notably Mogok) and Tanzania, with other notable occurrences in Vietnam, the USA, and Mexico. Collectors prize well-formed crystals and clean, gem-grade material that can polish to a bright surface and exhibit strong color zoning or vivid single-color hues. Spinel’s historical confusion with rubies and sapphires adds to its allure, and high-quality crystals can form attractive clusters suitable for display or study.