Spinel
| Colour | Red, Blue, Black, Pink, Purple |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 7.5–8.0 |
| Lustre | Vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Cubic |
| Transparency | Transparent to opaque |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Specific gravity | (Depending on the composition) The rare Zn-rich spinel can be as high as 4.40, otherwise it averages from 3.58 to 3.61 |
What is Spinel?
Spinel is the magnesium/aluminium member of the larger spinel group of minerals. It has the formula MgAl2O4 in the cubic crystal system. The name comes from the Latin word spinella, a diminutive form of spine, in reference to its pointed crystals.
How to identify Spinel
- Lustre: Vitreous.
- Hardness: Mohs 7.5–8.0 — hard enough to scratch glass.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Cubic crystal system.
Spinel in different forms
Stones often confused with Spinel
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Spinel?
Spinel is Mohs 7.5–8.0 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Spinel?
Spinel is typically red, blue, black, pink, purple (Various: red, pink, blue, lavender / violet, dark green, brown, black, clear).