spinel

or spi·nelle

[ spi-nel, spin-l ]

noun

1. any of a group of minerals composed principally of oxides of magnesium, aluminum, iron, manganese, chromium, etc., characterized by their hardness and octahedral crystals.
2. a mineral of this group, essentially magnesium aluminate, MgAl 2 O 4 , some varieties being used as gems.

spinel

/ spɪˈnɛl /

noun

1. any of a group of hard glassy minerals of variable colour consisting of oxides of aluminium, magnesium, chromium, iron, zinc, or manganese and occurring in the form of octahedral crystals: used as gemstones
2. a hard, glassy mineral composed of magnesium-aluminium oxide found in metamorphosed limestones and many basic and ultrabasic igneous rocks. Formula: MgAl 2 O 4

spinel

/ spĭ-nĕl′ /

1. A hard, variously colored cubic mineral, having usually octahedral crystals and occurring in igneous and metamorphosed carbonate rocks. The red variety is valued as a gem and is sometimes confused with the ruby. Chemical formula: MgAl 2 O 4 .
2. Any of a group of minerals that are oxides of magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, or aluminum.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinel¹

1520–30; < French spinelle < Italian spinella, equivalent to spin ( a ) thorn (< Latin spīna ) + -ella -elle

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinel¹

C16: from French spinelle, from Italian spinella, diminutive of spina a thorn, from Latin; so called from the shape of the crystals

Example Sentences

The rock—which also contains the plain-old mineral plagioclase—includes pink spinel, a prized jewel on Earth.

From The Daily Beast

The rubies of Burma are found in crystalline limestones and are constantly accompanied by precious spinel (or balas-ruby).

From Project Gutenberg

Some of the alumina and iron oxide may occasionally be chemically combined, so as to form an iron spinel, or hercynite.

From Project Gutenberg

Then follows the topaz, which, with spinel and chrysoberyl, has a hardness of 8; whilst quartz falls a degree lower.

From Project Gutenberg

Mention has been made above of a stone frequently substituted for the true ruby, called the “spinel” or “balas” ruby.

From Project Gutenberg

The spinel and ruby occur together in nature, stones from Burma being as often spinel as true Oriental ruby.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Spinel

What does spinel mean?

Spinel is the name for a kind of mineral and a variety of the mineral that’s used as a gemstone, especially a red-colored one.

The word can be used to refer to a gemstone, as in I want a ring with a spinel, or the mineral material, This is made of spinel. It’s sometimes spelled as spinelle or spinell.

Spinel can come in deep or pastel shades of red, pink, purple, blue, and black. Black spinel is rare and very valuable.

The red variety is similar in tone, color, and transparency to rubies, the blue variety is similar to sapphires, and spinels are sometimes mistaken for or sold as a less expensive substitute for these more expensive gems. Some famous gemstones once thought to be rubies have actually been correctly identified as spinels.

Spinel is one of the birthstones for the month of August. It is associated with the zodiac signs Leo and Virgo.

Example: Most people think the stone in my ring is a ruby, but it’s actually a deep red spinel.

Where does spinel come from?

The first records of the word spinel come from the 1500s. It comes from the French spinelle and the Italian spinella, a diminutive of the Latin spina, meaning “thorn” (a reference to the shape of the crystals).

The mineral spinel is composed of oxides of magnesium, aluminum, iron, manganese, chromium, and other elements. Since the magnesium oxide base is colorless, any color is due to the presence of other elements, such as zinc, iron, or aluminum. Spinel gemstones used for jewelry are found in igneous rocks, granite pegmatites, and some limestone deposits.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to spinel?

• spinelle (alternate spelling)
• spinell (alternate spelling)

What are some words that share a root or word element with spinel? 

• spine

What are some words that often get used in discussing spinel?

• black
• gem
• gemstone
• mineral
• stone
• ruby
• birthstone
• August

How is spinel used in real life?

Spinel is not a particularly well-known gemstone—the red variety is sometimes mistaken for or used as a replacement for ruby.

Fabulous deep red spinel crystal on albite in marble from Ohngaing, Mogok, Myanmar.

Photo: Fine mineral photography#minerals #crystals pic.twitter.com/tsa8TSx2rW

— Geology Tweets (@GeologyTime) July 15, 2019

Pink Spinel is called the “Fairy Godmother” stone and also a good gift for your love one. It's holding the continuing love and protection of the giver.
Berry Pink Spinel Ring 3CT G228#spinel #pinkspinel #gift #love #gems #gemstones #gemstonejewelry #singapore #autiumjewels pic.twitter.com/CanhazvM4r

— Autium Jewels (@autiumjewels) December 5, 2020

Inspired by romantic dreams, this natural pear shape lavander Spinel ring is our latest masterpiece! Fashioned in rose and white gold band and prongs with an elegant halo of brilliant cut diamonds.

This ring is definitely a show stopper!

Style: 147339-2.63CT pic.twitter.com/YkHkTgKgkQ

— La Mine d'Or (@laminedor) August 20, 2020

Try using spinel!

True or False?

Spinels are only red.