Natural Spinel Stone Meaning - What is Rough Spinel Price Per Carat?

Natural Spinel Stone Meaning

This guide covers natural spinel stone meaning, essential spinel gemstone properties, and how to assess rough spinel price per carat when comparing natural spinel gemstones.

In Burma, the term "Nat Thwe" is commonly used among local traders to denote naturally formed octahedral-shaped spinel stones. Translated from Burmese, it means "Polished by the Spirits." These spinel stones are typically discovered in the Mogok Stone Track region of Myanmar. Early in the 16th century, Portuguese navigators documented the presence of Burma spinels, referring to them as "rubi-espinela."

Rough Spinel Crystal Structure

Spinels possess an octahedral crystal structure, consisting of magnesium and aluminum oxide, which crystallizes within the cubic, or isometric, system.

Collectors prize well-formed spinel crystals as mineral specimens, while lapidaries transform larger crystals into precious gemstones. Despite their typically modest size, spinel crystals boast exceptional quality and formation, making them popular choices for jewelry. Notably, a Bangkok-based gem dealer crafted an intriguing jewelry ensemble utilizing a total of 47 carats of raw spinel crystals.

Rough Spinel Stone Geological Properties

Spinel gemstones consist primarily of magnesium aluminum oxide, with various impurities determining their coloration. Chromium imparts hues such as orange, pink, and red to spinels. These gemstones typically feature isometric crystal systems in their rough form. Notably, spinel is renowned for crystal twinning, where two octahedral crystals unite at the base. Spinel gemstones vary in opacity, ranging from transparent to opaque. Their luster can be described as vitreous, submetallic, or dull.

Colors of Spinel Stones

Spinels exhibit a diverse spectrum of colors, including red, pink, violet, purple, grey, black, white, orange, and blue. Red spinels, in particular, are renowned and have historically been mistaken for rubies due to their striking resemblance. Notably, both rubies and spinels display similar patterns of fluorescence under UV light.

History of Spinel Stones

Until 1783, red spinels were commonly mistaken for rubies. The spinel mineral's discovery officially occurred in 1779, although it had been recognized for centuries before. J. Demeste is credited with first documenting the spinel mineral and assigning its identification. He derived the name from the Latin word "spinella," meaning "little thorn."

Locations of the Spinel Stones

Prime Spinel crystals are unearthed in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Thailand, while significant deposits are also discovered in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Nepal, Taiwan, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Tanzania. Among these, Mogok spinels, also known as Burma spinels, stand out as some of the finest specimens.

Traditional Spinel Stone Meaning / Myths about Spinel Gemstones

Spinels are renowned for their reputed attributes:

- Immortality
- Revitalization
- Spiritual evolution
- Instilling hope
- Dispelling negativity
- Energizing properties
- Encouraging compassion and devotion
- Enhancing the joy of life

Popular beliefs suggest that spinels promote passion, longevity, and devotion while increasing energy and stamina. They are believed to benefit health, particularly in joints, bones, and muscles, by providing extra energy, endurance, and strength. Specific colors of spinels are thought to offer various benefits, such as blue spinels potentially alleviating headaches and orange spinels aiding fertility in both men and women.

Disclaimer: It's important to note that these attributes are based on traditional myths and beliefs, lacking scientific evidence.

What is Cut Spinel Stone Price per carat or Rough Spinel Price Per Carat?

Spinel Price Guide

When evaluating the price of loose gemstones for sale or raw gemstones for sale, several factors come into play. A broader gemstone and mineral price guide can help frame these comparisons. These factors include color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. It's crucial to consider all these aspects carefully when determining the pricing of cut spinels or the per-carat price of rough spinel.

Prices current as of 2021.

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