BLUE SPINEL GEMSTONE
Spinel gemstones were often mistaken for rubies due to limited gemological knowledge, but today they’re recognized for their distinct beauty and durability, making them ideal for everyday wear and fine jewelry.In this guide, you’ll explore blue spinel gemstones ranging from soft sky-blues to rich cobalt hues, available in diverse shapes and sizes—perfect for statement pieces or everyday elegance with lasting brilliance.
OVERVIEW
What Color is Blue Spinel?
Before modern gemology, gems were primarily classified by color. Often, this meant spinel gemstones were misidentified. Some of the most desirable spinel colors include blue spinel, which exhibits a deep cobalt blue that rivals some of the finest blue sapphires in its richness. The blue hue is rare and infrequently seen at an affordable price point in today’s market.
Natural blue spinel is incredibly rare, demanding high market prices among spinel gems within the spinel group. To offer a more accessible alternative, Shop LC provides spinel gemstones enhanced through a patent-pending diffusion process.
Highly valued in Chinese culture, they associate jade stones with nobility, wealth, and consider it to be a protector of family over generations. Craved objects and statutes of jade have special significance in Chinese culture. The statue of a jade bat stands for happiness. A fish is the symbol of power and rank while dragons stand for prosperity and rain. The most common object, a circular perforated disc is the symbol of heaven.
VALUE
Blue Spinel Quality Factors
- Naturally, spinel gemstones are included, meaning they often possess visible inclusions. However, with color enhancement, blue spinel typically appears eye-clean and exhibits a glassy luster.
- During the enhancement process, heating further reduces visible inclusions, leaving a polished spinel gem that brilliantly reflects both natural and incandescent light. Its high refractive index contributes to the gemstone's vibrant sparkle and brilliance, further enhancing its appeal.
- Shop LC offers blue spinels, including synthetic spinel options, in a variety of sizes, often under one carat. Available in diverse shapes like ovals, rounds, pears, and trilliants, larger faceted stones, including ovals and octagons, can measure up to 7mm x 5mm, while smaller stones like pears are available as small as 4mm x 3mm.
- Though blue spinel is classified as a semi-precious gemstone, finding spinel gems of several carats remains extremely rare and highly desirable. It's worth noting that although spinel belongs to a different mineral species than corundum (the family to which rubies and sapphires belong), its durability, brilliance, and rarity make it a fantastic choice for quality gemstone collectors.
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D'Joy Tanzanian Blue Spinel , White Zircon Ring in Rhodium Over Sterling Silver
Cherish the timeless charm of the D’Joy Tanzanian blue spinel trilogy ring crafted in 925 sterling silver, designed to showcase the beauty of genuine gemstones. The soothing azure blue spinel is accented with sparkling white zircon for refined brilliance, secured in prong settings for lasting wear. Finished with rhodium plating for durability and shine, this comfortable and versatile ring is perfect for both everyday style and special occasions.
Premium Tanzanian Blue Spinel (DF) and Luxuriant Lab Grown Diamond G-H SI Vintage Halo Ring in 10K Yellow Gold
Turn heads with this striking Tanzanian blue spinel ring crafted in warm 10K yellow gold. Showcasing a bold 10x8 mm center stone, the vibrant blue spinel is accented by a shimmering halo of lab-grown diamonds that enhances its brilliance. Finished with a secure prong setting, this elegant halo ring adds a refined pop of color to both everyday and occasion-ready looks.
Vietnamese Cobalt Blue Spinel (DF) and Niassa Ruby (FF) Eagle Head Tennis Bracelet in Rhodium Over Sterling Silver
Make a bold statement with this Tanzanian blue spinel tennis bracelet, crafted in hypoallergenic 925 sterling silver. Featuring vibrant cobalt-blue spinel gemstones secured in prong settings, the design is elevated by an intricately detailed eagle head clasp, accented with Niassa ruby eyes, symbolizing strength and refined elegance.
Tanzanian Blue Spinel (DF) Waterfall Necklace 18 Inches in Platinum Over Sterling Silver
Refine your style with this gemstone waterfall necklace in 925 sterling silver, featuring cascading blue spinel that adds fluid brilliance to an 18-inch design. Prong-set gemstones enhance sparkle, while the graceful silhouette offers elegance for both everyday and special occasions, finished with a secure spring ring clasp for comfortable, hypoallergenic wear.
D'Joy Premium Tanzanian Blue Spinel (DF) and White Zircon Pendant Necklace in Rhodium Over Sterling Silver
Refine your style with this D’Joy Tanzanian blue spinel and white zircon pendant necklace in 925 sterling silver. Featuring a rich blue spinel accented by sparkling white zircon and set for lasting brilliance, this elegant piece offers comfortable, skin-friendly wear on a classic 20-inch chain—perfect for both everyday looks and special occasions.
Is Blue Spinel a Birthstone?
Spinel is a recent addition to the modern birthstone list. Added in 2016, spinel joins peridot as one of two gemstones for August. Occurring mostly as red gemstones, blue spinel presents a rarely seen option when selecting your birthstone. As per tradition, spinel can be given as a gift for the 22nd wedding anniversary.
IDEAL CHOICE
Who Should Wear Blue Spinel?
For collectors who appreciate deep blue stones like Masoala sapphire, blue spinel makes for a fantastic addition to a jewelry collection. This gem mirrors the opulence of the crown jewels, and its vivid hue and rarity provide a unique opportunity to own a remarkable gemstone uncommon in the market.
As an August birthstone, blue spinel is also a meaningful choice for those born in this month. Crafted by skilled gem cutters, this gem can comfortably stand beside more well-known stones like diamonds, offering both beauty and exclusivity. Whether set in a spinel ring or another custom setting, this gem adds an elegant touch to any collection.
Jade Facts
MOHS HARDNESS
7.5 to 8
COLOR
Blue spinel possesses a deeply saturated blue hue, very rare in spinels.
TREATMENT
Blue spinel receives additional enhancement through cobalt diffusion.
ORIGINS
The Shop LC supply originates from Tanzania.
TREATMENT
Is Blue Spinel Treated?
Spinel gems are found throughout the world, but most famously in Tanzania. The blue spinel gems from Shop LC are sourced from Tanzania, specifically from the Merelani Foothills, near Mount Kilimanjaro, an area known for producing gemstones such as tanzanite.
- Natural blue spinel is incredibly rare, which is why enhancement processes are used to offer this stone at an affordable price point. The blue spinel found at Shop LC undergoes a patented proprietary diffusion method, applying a cobalt treatment to enhance the richness of color in the crystal.
- Like many other minerals, this treatment highlights its natural beauty and increases its value as a gemstone. The stones selected for this treatment undergo standard gem cutting and polishing, followed by heating in a crucible after receiving the cobalt coating. After the process, the blue spinel emerges with the desired deep blue hue.
- Specialized equipment can detect this treatment, although the color zoning present in other treated gems is not typically found in diffused spinel stones.