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What Is Black Spinel?

Black spinel is gemstone that is relatively unknown to consumers because of its rarity. It is an opaque, jet-black version of the red spinel, a gemstone with brilliant sparkle that is often mistaken for a ruby.

Chemical Makeup
- Black spinel is made of magnesium aluminum oxide or magnesium aluminate. With a rating of 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness -- 10 being the hardest -- black spinel is a durable gem that resists chips and scratches.
Name Derivation
- The origin of the name spinel is unclear, but it is possibly derived from the Latin word ̶0;spina,̶1; meaning thorn, perhaps due to the brilliant color of the red spinel or because of the sharp crystals that can be seen in some spinels.
Legends
- Black spinel is thought to re-establish relationships, dispel sadness and protect the wearer, according to GemTradeNet.com, a website promoting the Thailand gemstone market.
Sources
- The primary source of black spinel is Thailand, where it is known as ̶0;nin.̶1; Other deposits of the stone have been found in Africa, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
Use in Jewelry
- Black spinel is most often cut into an oval, round or cushion cut. Its hardness makes it suitable for both moderately priced and fine jewelry.

Rocks & Minerals