Spinel stone comes in almost every colour: red, orange, pink, raspberry, blue, purple, lavender, green, yellow, grey and black. Some of these colour variations, such as green, cobalt blue and neon-pink Mahenge spinel, are very rare and hard to find.
Below is a simple guide to each spinel colour, what makes it special and where it is found, plus why designers love spinel and how to care for it. You can see real stones in our spinel collection.
What is spinel?
A natural gem with a long history. Spinel is found in many parts of the world and has been used in jewellery for hundreds of years. For a long time it was little known, but today it is loved for its bright colours and strength.
Hard and sparkly. Spinel has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, so it is very hard to scratch. It reflects light beautifully and often sparkles more than a ruby.
Natural colour. Spinel is almost always natural and untreated, which means the colour you see came straight from the earth without any chemicals or heat.
"Polished by spirits". In some countries, people say spinel crystals are polished by spirits, because they come out of the ground looking so shiny and perfect.
The "great imposter"
For hundreds of years, spinel was called the "great imposter". It looks so much like rubies and sapphires that even kings and queens were fooled.
Some of the most famous "rubies" in the world's crown jewels are actually red spinels. The "Black Prince's Ruby" in the British royal crown is a 170-carat red spinel.
Why spinel colours are so special
Spinel is one of the few gemstones that comes in so many natural colours. Each colour has its own charm, and some are very rare and hard to find, which makes them even more special.
Rare spinel colour variations
1. Red spinel
- Looks like: bright, fiery red, like a ruby.
- Why it is special: the most famous type, often mistaken for ruby. Red spinel is linked with love and energy.
- Found in: Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
See our red spinel.
2. Orange spinel
- Looks like: warm and glowing, like a sunset.
- Why it is special: rare, with a cheerful, lively colour.
- Found in: some parts of Asia.
See our orange spinel.
3. Pink spinel
- Looks like: soft and romantic, like a rose.
- Why it is special: loved for its delicate colour, and bright pinks look great in summer jewellery.
- Found in: Sri Lanka and Tanzania.
See our pink spinel.
4. Blue spinel
- Looks like: calm and serene, like the ocean.
- Why it is special: a rare, peaceful blue.
- Found in: Vietnam and Sri Lanka.
See our blue spinel.
5. Raspberry spinel
- Looks like: bright and juicy, like a raspberry.
- Why it is special: bold and fun, perfect for eye-catching jewellery.
- Found in: Africa and Asia.
See our raspberry spinel.
6. Purple spinel
- Looks like: royal and rich, like a violet flower.
- Why it is special: rare, with an elegant, regal charm.
- Found in: Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
See our purple spinel.
7. Lavender spinel
- Looks like: soft and dreamy, like lavender fields.
- Why it is special: ideal for people who love subtle, calm colours, and very trendy for unique engagement rings.
- Found in: Sri Lanka.
See our lavender spinel.
8. Green spinel
- Looks like: fresh and lively, like green leaves.
- Why it is special: one of the rarest spinel colours.
- Found in: Myanmar.
9. Yellow spinel
- Looks like: sunny and cheerful, like golden sunlight.
- Why it is special: bright and full of energy.
- Found: rarely, which makes a good one a real find.
10. Grey spinel
- Looks like: cool and modern, like silver clouds.
- Why it is special: elegant with modern jewellery styles, and a popular pick for unique engagement rings.
- Found in: Sri Lanka and Africa.
See our grey spinel.
11. Black spinel
- Looks like: dark and shiny, like the night sky.
- Why it is special: a strong black stone with a modern, elegant look, popular for stylish jewellery.
- Found in: Thailand.
12. Mahenge spinel
- Looks like: bright neon pink to reddish tones.
- Why it is special: very rare, valuable and highly prized for its colour.
- Found in: Mahenge, Tanzania.
See our Mahenge spinel.
13. Cobalt spinel
- Looks like: a deep, vivid, electric blue.
- Why it is special: a type of blue spinel that is extremely rare and valuable.
- Found in: parts of Vietnam.
See our cobalt spinel.
Why jewellery designers love spinel
Spinel works in all kinds of gemstone jewellery, from rings to necklaces and earrings.
- Affordable luxury: it gives the look of expensive gemstones at a lower cost.
- Made for everyday wear: its hardness means it does not scratch easily, so it suits rings you wear every day.
Spinel: the August birthstone
If you were born in August, spinel is your modern birthstone, which makes it a lovely birthday gift. Read more in our spinel August birthstone guide or browse our birthstones.
How to take care of spinel
- Clean gently: use warm water with a little mild soap and a soft cloth. A soft brush helps clean behind the stone.
- Avoid extremes: keep it away from harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.
- Store it apart: keep it separate from other jewellery to prevent scratches.
To learn how experts grade spinel, see the GIA spinel guide.
Gemstone traditions are cultural beliefs, not medical advice. See our gemstone and healing disclaimer.