Is spinel an expensive gem?
Although spinel is still less expensive than ruby, the market for spinel has been increasing. And, now that spinel has been added as a third August birthstone, its popularity may increase further still, bringing its value up as well.
How rare is the spinel gemstone?
Any spinel gem weighing over two carats is rare and good stones weighing over three carats are extremely rare. Burma and Sri Lanka are the traditional sources for fine spinel and the Burmese material is generally recognized as superior. However, the supply is limited and insufficient for the retail jewelry trade.
Is spinel a real gemstone?
Spinel belongs to the cubic crystal system and its characteristic crystal shape is an octahedron, which looks like two back-to-back pyramids. Like ruby, spinel is found in alluvial deposits; it ranks 8 on the Mohs scale and has good toughness, making it a durable gem for jewelry.
What color spinel is most expensive?
Red, pink, lilac, and blue are commercially important spinel colors. Some spinel colors are more rare and valuable than others. In general, red spinel is the most desirable, followed by fine cobalt-blue spinel, then by vibrant hot pink and vivid orange stones.
Is spinel worth buying?
The mineral itself is very durable, it has a hardness of 8 and is higher than garnet or tourmaline which makes it a great alternative gemstone for engagement rings. Consumers also need not have to worry about treatments and enhancement like with rubies and sapphires because spinels are generally not treated.
Why is spinel expensive?
Color is an important factor that defines spinel’s price – red spinel is rarer than other varieties, and also more expensive; blue exemplars are the second rarest spinel gems. Other varieties are more common and less sought after.
Is black spinel expensive?
The black spinel stone, although rare, is not considered as valuable to the jewellery trade as you may think. It is often confused with rubies and sapphires during the mining process, so is not as frequently used by jewellers, nor sought after by consumers as much as the classic red ruby for example.
What is the most expensive spinel?
Cobalt Blue Spinel from Luc Yen mine in Vietnam is the rarest and most desirable fine stone, and the biggest hype in the modern gem industry. The sensation of 13-carat precisely cut and clean Vietnam Blue Spinel spread far beyond gem society, reaching Art Connoisseurs and Treasure Collectors worldwide.
Are spinel and sapphire the same?
As you can see, the Spinel is quite a bit larger than the Sapphire, and is considerably less expensive. There are trade-offs to consider, however. Color. Firstly, When comparing these stones side by side, one may notice that the Sapphire’s color is more vivid blue.
What gemstones is more expensive than Opal?
While there are some gems that can be classified as both types (such as opals), most gemstones are semiprecious. Only diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires are only ever considered precious — and these gems also tend to be more expensive, traditionally.
What gemstone should I buy?
From Rough to Cut Gems. With an investment of labor,a lapidary (gem cutter) can turn low-value rough into high-value finished gems.
How much does spinel cost?
how much does a moonstone cost Are spinels valuable? Fine Spinels from both Burma and Tanzania are still very affordable in sizes under 1 carat, with prices ranging from $200 to $500 a carat for good colors.
How much is spinel worth?
Top reds and pinks typically sell for $600 to $1,200 a carat in the 1-2 ct size, but increase dramatically over 2 carats. Top Spinels in the 2 to 5 carat size will often sell for $3,000 to $5,000 a carat. For the very rare stones over 5 carats, prices in the range of $8,000 to $10,000 per carat are not unusual for the top colors.