Spinel Gemstone Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Legends
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Spinel Gemstone Facts and History
The Spinel Gemstone is a gem with an interesting history. It is a member of the large Spinel group and is typically composed of magnesium and aluminum with trace elements giving it a diverse array of colors.
It can be found in reds, purples, oranges, pinks, blues, greens, and black shades. The most famous and desirable colors are red and blue due to their uncanny resemblance to the rubies and sapphires. Historically, Spinel Gemstones are often mistaken for other more desirable gems.
Spinel Gemstones are typically formed in cubic shapes and are transparent but they can also be found opaque with virtuous lustre.
These colorful gemstones are very similar in structure to corundum minerals, hence the historical confusion. One of the Spinel Gemstone’s distinguishing properties is its relatively high score of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale.
The fact that Spinel Gemstones also form in corundum deposits further adds to the confusion.
It was not until 1783, that the mineralogist Jean Baptiste Louis Rome de Lisle accurately described Spinel Gemstones and differentiated red Spinel Gemstones from rubies.
Before this differentiation, some of the world’s most famous Spinel Gemstones were mistaken as rubies such as the “rubies” displayed on the British crown jewels known as the Timur Ruby and the Black Prince Ruby.
The name Spinel has contesting origins. One origin story says that it came from the Latin worn spinella, which translates to “spine” as a reference to the typical crystal points of the gemstone. Another source says that Spinel comes from the Ancient Greek word spitha, which translates to “thorn.” This may also reference the gemstone’s spiky corners.
Historically, the most valuable red and pink Spinel Gemstones come from Central Asia. They were called “Balas rubies” after the region’s historic name, Balascia, today known as the Badakhshan region. These Spinel Gemstones mistaken as rubies were traded throughout history as well as graced the palaces of China, Rome, and European royal courts.
Today, quality sources of Spinel Gemstones can be found in Myanmar, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Madagascar.
Despite its historic reputation as a deceptive stone, the Spinel Gemstone experienced a surge of popularity on its own when the trend of colorful gems started in the 80s.
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Spinel Gemstone Uses
For centuries, the Spinel Gemstone has been used in jewelry of all kinds. It is a tough and durable gemstone that is ideal to fashion into rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more for everyday wear.
Spinel Gemstones are also used as ornamental stones because of their eye-catching color. Similarly, they are used as decor or as statement pieces in interior spaces.
Due to the Spinel Gemstone’s hardness and durability, it is used in industrial applications such as an abrasive material tool to cut out precise shapes and forms. Spinels are also fashioned into refractory material to keep heat within a chamber like furnaces or kilns due to their resistance to high temperatures.
Spinel Gemstones can emit laser lights in different wavelengths, making it a valuable crystal as a host material in laser technology.
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Spinel Gemstone Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism
The Spinel Gemstone has an unfortunate early symbolism of being a deceptive or pretender stone due to the gem being confused with others.
However, in recent times, Spinel Gemstones steadily gained a more favorable reputation on their own for having beautiful variety of colors, making them symbols of grace, beauty, passion, and devotion.
Spinel Gemstones are also believed to be protective stones that is useful against negativity and things that can harm a person. It also promotes mental clarity, harmony, and openness to new ideas.
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Spinel Gemstone Symbolism of Different Shapes and Forms
Red Spinel Gemstones are a variety of Spinels that display shades of red to orange-red colors. This Spinel variety is one of the most valuable Spinel Gemstones and it typically symbolizes grounding and energy in the body and mind.
Blue Spinel Gemstones are also called cobalt Spinel for their blue color. This variety of Spinel Gemstones can also appear in blue-green, grayish-blue, and purplish-blue colors. It represents good communication, health, and emotional strength.
Black Spinel Gemstones, also known as Ploenaste or Ceylonite, are a variety of Spinel Gemstones with an opaque black appearance. The black Spinel Gemstone helps with energy blocks, provides protection, and energizes the spirit.
Pink Spinel Gemstones are a variety of Spinel Gemstone that displays different shades of pink, most popularly pastel pinks, salmon pinks, and deep pink colors. Pink Spinel Gemstones represent positivity and possess the ability to dispel negative energy.
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Spinel Gemstone Symbolism in Different Cultures
Since antiquity, the Spinel Gemstone has been a symbol of wealth, power, and nobility in many different ancient cultures. It has been used as decor and jewelry for centuries. It is one of the many gemstones fetching a high price along the Silk Road.
Large specimens of Spinel Gemstone were highly treasured amongst royalty and are seen with religious significance in Central and South Asia. These stones were often looted as spoils of war as a symbol that riches the victors who won from their battles, the Timur Ruby and the Black Prince Ruby as examples.
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Spinel Gemstone in Combination with other Gems
Sunstone gemstone is a stone of positivity, happiness, joy, and optimism. When this sunny stone is paired with Spinel Gemstones, the combination can significantly increase balance and harmony in life.
Lapis Lazuli is a magnificent blue gemstone with the properties to enhance wisdom and inner peace as well as to dispel anxieties and stress. When combined with the Spinel Gemstone, the pair can bring about significant feelings of calm and relaxation.
Green Aventurine is known for its ability to bring good luck and opportunities. It can also promote drive, discernment, and manifestation. Combining green averting with Spinel Gemstones promotes higher motivation and confidence.
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Spinel Gemstone Birthstone and Zodiac Sign
The Spinel Gemstone is the traditional birthstone of August, along with sardonyx and peridot.
The Spinel also has an affinity with the zodiac signs of Aries, Taurus, Sagittarius, and Scorpio. Those born under these zodiac signs will significantly receive the benefits that the Spinel Gemstone brings.
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Spinel Gemstone in Dreams
Spinel Gemstones are great gems to help with dream recall, especially for those who often have unfocused thoughts after they wake up. Dreaming of a Spinel Gemstone is said to bring about good fortune after experiencing some bad luck.
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Spinel Gemstone Omens and Superstitions
According to superstition, Spinel Gemstones can be used as talismans to revitalize energy, detoxify the body, and heal past traumas.
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Spinel Gemstone Mythology and Folklore
Spinel Gemstones are highly revered and valuable in Burma (Myanmar) and surrounding countries. So much so that they described Spinels as Nat Thwe or “polished by divine spirits.” Perhaps, to imply that Spinel Gemstones are made by the divine.
