ruby spinel

American  

noun

Mineralogy.

1. a deep red, transparent variety of spinel, used as a gem.

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ruby spinel British  

noun

1. a red transparent variety of spinel, used as a gemstone

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Etymology

Origin of ruby spinel

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

The peculiar yellowish character of the red color led us to suspect ruby spinel.

From A Text-Book of Precious Stones for Jewelers and the Gem-Loving Public by Wade, Frank Bertram

Similarly, ruby can at once be distinguished from even the finest garnet or ruby spinel, as the last two are singly refracting.

From A Text-Book of Precious Stones for Jewelers and the Gem-Loving Public by Wade, Frank Bertram