Sri Lanka A+ blue spinel bracelet (5-6mm balls)

Spinel is a gemstone known for being confused with sapphires or rubies. Spinel is a magnesium aluminate, colored by chromium or iron. It has a cubic crystal formation like diamonds. However, unlike diamonds, which have perfect cleavage, spinel has poor cleavage, making it easier to cut.

Spinel has its etymological origin in the Latin word “spina” for thorn or “spinula” for small thorn due to the shape of its crystals. Another etymology comes from the Greek “spinther” which translates to sparkling or glittering.

Spinel has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it ideal for jewelry. For comparison, diamonds have a hardness of 10, the highest on the Mohs scale. Unlike rubies and sapphires, spinel is rarely heated or treated.

Highly sought after by jewelers, spinel is nevertheless in limited supply, often insufficient on the market. Spinels have a single refraction, like garnets or diamonds.

Blue spinel is a unique stone. In fact, there are few blue-colored stones in nature. Sapphire is the most famous. It's worth noting that topaz gets its blue color through irradiation, and tanzanite must be heated to turn it blue.

Blue spinel has a range of colors that range from blue-gray to blue-violet to greenish-blue and cobalt blue. Lighter shades tend to have more brilliance and fire depending on the type of light they are exposed to.

The most coveted colors of spinel are red and blue. In its finest gemstone quality, spinel can be considered as valuable as ruby ​​or sapphire. Thus, blue spinel or red spinel is of interest to luxury jewelers and collectors. It can be set in rings, earrings, pendants, and more.

Some cabochon cut spinels may exhibit an asterism with a beautiful 6-pointed star visible under a beam of light.

There are no legends or myths associated with this stone. The reason is very simple: spinels were mistaken for rubies (for the red ones) or sapphires (for the blue ones). They were often mistaken, whether in good faith or not, for royal or ecclesiastical creations. This explains its absence in historical texts.

The most famous spinel is the one that adorns the crown of Catherine II of Russia. Weighing around 400 carats and of an intense red color, it now belongs to the Kremlin treasury.

The main deposits of high quality spinels are in Burma, Sri Lanka, Africa, etc.

Blue spinel has many virtues, including calming the nervous system, stress, and anxiety. Thus, it helps identify the nature of certain psychological blocks, often linked to childhood trauma. Once the blockages are identified, the wearer can then move forward, free themselves from the past, enjoy the present, and prepare for the future.

Blue spinel is a stone conducive to meditation and connecting with one's inner self. It provides spiritual elevation and develops concentration. It facilitates memorization and is recommended for students, those in training, or those undergoing career change. It promotes better assimilation of information.

Blue spinel develops self-confidence and self-assurance. If the wearer is someone who is deeply questioning themselves, blue spinel restores their self-esteem. It combats excessive shyness, complexes, and doubts. The wearer feels well-being and serenity. It is a stone of calm.

Furthermore, blue spinel acts on libido issues. It is highly recommended for long-term couples who are experiencing a certain weariness. It revives desire between spouses.