Spinel

Spinel (magnesium aluminium oxide) is the great historical imposter of the gem world. Because it occurs in the same geological deposits as ruby and sapphire - for example the marble-hosted deposits of Myanmar and Tajikistan - ancient civilisations did not distinguish between them. The famous Black Prince's Ruby in the British Imperial State Crown is, in fact, a large red spinel. Today, spinel is recognised on its own merits: it occurs in vivid reds, pinks, and blues, has excellent durability (Mohs 8), and, unlike corundum, is almost never heat-treated.

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