Multicolored spinel forms primarily in contact metamorphic rocks, where magma meets magnesium-rich limestone. During this process, hydrothermal fluids laden with aluminum and magnesium circulate through fractures, while temperature and pressure variations cause slow crystallization over millennia.
Multicolored spinel is distinguished from other spinel varieties by its unique ability to display different colors in a single specimen. This peculiarity is due to the simultaneous presence of inclusions of chromium, iron, cobalt, and manganese. These inclusions infiltrate during the slow crystallization process.
The colors of multicolored spinel are influenced by the concentration and distribution of these elements in the crystal. The color zoning visible in the same specimen is due to chemical variations during its crystallization.
It is worth noting that other spinels, such as red spinel (colored by chromium) or blue spinel (due to cobalt), display a uniform hue. For example, red spinels rival rubies, while cobalt blue spinels are particularly rare and prized.
Multicolored spinel has a remarkable hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. Its perfect octahedral crystals are of interest to industry for their refractory and optical properties. Transparent specimens are used in scientific instruments, while the most common varieties are used in high-performance abrasives.
It was the French mineralogist Jean-Baptiste Louis Romé de L'Isle (1736-1790) who established the first rigorous scientific description during his work on crystallography. His expeditions to Central Asia, notably in the mountains of Badakhshan (present-day Afghanistan), revealed ancient deposits exploited since Antiquity.
Silk Road traders called it the “mineral flower” because of its star-shaped crystals.
As early as the 6th century, Sassanid artisans (the last Persian imperial dynasty) inlaid multicolored spinels into Persian royal armor for their changing reflections.
A 12th-century Byzantine manuscript mentions its use as a divinatory stone by Mongolian shamans, who saw it as an “earthly light capable of communicating with the stars.”
The famous Russian Crown Jewels collection includes several flower-cut spinels, presented by Indian ambassadors to Catherine II.
The main deposits are located in Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania and Vietnam.
Multicolored spinel, with its fascinating hues, is often favored by those seeking inner balance and calming their minds. This stone is known for its ability to promote mental and emotional clarity, while stimulating qualities like intuition and creativity.
It is particularly useful for those seeking to overcome emotional blockages, especially those stemming from difficult past situations. It can be a valuable support for those who feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts or persistent doubts.
Multicolored spinel is also associated with the development of intuition, helping to better understand complex situations and the people around you, promoting clearer and sharper perception.
Creatives, like artists, find it a valuable ally for stimulating their imagination and exploring new ideas. It can also support those who need concentration and mental organization, such as students or managers, by facilitating the structuring of thoughts and important decisions.
Multicolored spinel is also seen as an energetic shield, protecting its wearer from negative external influences. It strengthens self-confidence and encourages constructive introspection, allowing one to better understand one's own needs.
Sri Lanka A+ blue spinel bracelet (5-6mm balls)Vendor:Sri Lanka A+ blue spinel bracelet (5-6mm balls)La Boite à Cailloux
Sri Lanka red spinel pendant with 925 silver loopVendor:Sri Lanka red spinel pendant with 925 silver loopLa Boite à Cailloux
