Spinel and its Treatments: A Current Status Report

Photomicrograph: Christopher P. Smith, 75x

Spinel has historically been one of the most highly revered gemstones. However, over an extended period of time, its popularity had suffered as a result of many factors, including its classification as “semi-precious” and a general confusion with another dominant red gemstone: ruby. More recently though, spinel has been making a strong comeback and so its popularity is once again on the rise.

As seen on the left, a more recent type of heated spinel encountered by the AGL revealed thermally induced inclusion features more consistent with what may be seen in rubies and sapphires heated to relatively lower temperatures. These included discoid or atoll-like induced stress fractures with a partial healing rim as seen extending from needle-like inclusions.

To download a copy click here

---