the mineral spinel has
Answers
Spinel occurs in almost every color, and forms gems of all colors. It is not a well known gem,
although good specimens can attain very high prices. Bright red Spinel, known as Ruby Spinel, is
the most valuable Spinel. In the past, there was no distinction between true Ruby and Ruby
Spinel, as they look very similar and are found together in the same localities. (Nowadays,
distinctions can be easily made through hardness and x-ray tests.) Many famous old "Rubies"
were found to actually be Spinel. The famous Black Prince's Ruby that forms the centerpiece of
the royal crown of Great Britain was discovered to be a Spinel rather then a Ruby.
Magnesium Spinel, often just known plainly as Spinel, is the most common and well-known
member of the Spinel series. Gahnite is also known among collectors, while the other two
members (Hercynite and Galaxite) are very rare and seldom represented in collections.
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