Spinel Beads

Until the late 1700’s, there was no way to differentiate spinel from ruby and examples were classified as ruby. When Spinel was distinguished from rubies, it was named for the Latin word “spinella”, or little thorn, based on its sharp crystal structure.

Spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide that has impurities affecting color. The presence of chromium may cause orange, pink and red varieties. Spinel can be any color, including black. Spinel deposits are especially prevalent in Southeast Asia.

Spinel is said to encourage devotion and passion. It is associated with the root chakra.