Ruby vs Red Spinel – Choose Your Red
The red gemstones of the world are known for their brilliance and their ever-so-charming red hues. But not all that glitters red, is a ruby. The most sought-after gem and one of the four most precious gemstones – Ruby, has a special place in the hearts of all, celebrities and royalties alike. The July birthstone symbolizes love, passion, beauty, and mystical powers. It is also the 40th wedding anniversary gift.
Prior to modern gemology, in the 19th and 20th centuries, the lovely spinel was popularly identified as corundum, as they are often found in the same mines as gems of that mineral, namely – sapphires and rubies. It is worth knowing though that the minerals these gems are formed from, are chemically distinct. Spinel is a variety of the mineral spinel group for which it shares its name. Red Spinels are popularly known as “flame spinels” as it is believed to be effective in increasing physical energy and stamina.
The enigmatic July birthstone and the flame spinel – Rubies vs Red Spinel are often confused because of their rich red hues; case in point, is the Black Prince Ruby, weighing a whopping 170CT. This was believed for the longest time to be a ruby but was later identified, with modern technology, to be a spinel. Still, the name was never changed.
To highlight more differences between a ruby and a red spinel, we have created a fact-list of things one should know before purchasing any of these gems.
Ruby vs Red Spinel: A comparison
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Topics |
Rubies |
Spinel |
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Color |
The pigeon blood red shade of rubies is highly admired. Other rubies have purplish-red – to pinkish-red hues. |
Spinel appears in a variety of colors such as blue, purple, black, etc. The most popular, however, is the fiery red spinel. |
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Mohs Scale of Hardness/Durability |
Rubies rank a solid 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It is the second hardest gemstone in the world alongside sapphires. Rubies are very durable gems that can be used as jewelry on a day to day basis |
Spinel ranks 8 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it durable for jewelry worn on a daily basis. |
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Symbolism |
Rubies are known as the king of gemstones and are believed to be a symbol of love, passion, wealth, success, beauty, etc. |
Spinels are known as action stones. They are believed to be effective in increasing physical energy and stamina. |
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Clarity |
Rubies tend to have inclusions and imperfections which are eye-visible. When an eye-clean stone is sourced, it will command a higher price point. |
Spinels tend to have inclusions that are eye visible, but you can also find eye-clean spinels. |
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Origin |
Burma, Madagascar, Thailand, Tanzania, Mozambique, etc. these beauties can be found all over the world. |
Spinels are mined in various locations over the world, however, spinels from desired mines such as Burma will carry a premium over spinels from other origins. |
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Affordability |
Fine quality rubies are usually expensive |
Spinels, in comparison to rubies, are quite affordable. |
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Popularity |
The red pigeon blood Rubies are highly admired and appreciated all over the world |
Red Spinel’s reputation suffered after they were deemed as spinel, a less precious stone than rubies. |
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Treatments |
Rubies are usually given treatments for clarity and to get color corrections with the use of heat. Composite rubies, which contain lead or glass, are also sold but must be disclosed as such. |
Currently, there are no known accepted Spinel treatments or enhancements in the industry. |
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Birthstone Month |
July |
August (an alternative to peridot) |
Table: Comparison between Rubies and Red Spinel
After going through the Ruby vs Red Spinel debate, you must have internally made your decision right?
If not, we’ll sum it up for you.
The beautiful red spinels are the preferred gemstones for people who have a budget in mind but would love to have a pop of red jewelry in their vanity. These beauties are free of treatments, therefore, being 100% natural gemstones that people admire and care for the most. Spinels in comparison to rubies are highly economical and are loved for the symbolism it holds in life for its wearer.
The pigeon blood red rubies are super loved gemstones. Rubies tend to have eye-visible inclusions which are usually treated to make it clear. These gemstones are highly durable and versatile and can be converted into beautiful pieces of jewelry that can be used on an everyday basis. Even though rubies tend to be expensive, one should note that they are precious gems that make for a great heirloom to pass down to family.
Rubies are harder than spinels and can resists scratches and chipping better, yet both gemstone are pretty strong on their own. Rubies are prone to inclusions, so they are often cloudy while spinels are often clear. GemsNY has the finest collections of gemstones that you would love to own.
