![]() As they both often show deep red hue, visually distinguishing them can be almost impossible. The difference between the two is that the former is iron-dominant (FE), and the latter is magnesium-dominant (Mg). To further streamline the six species, almandine and pyrope are the most commonly seen in the market and in nature. Among all the garnet species, only six of them are gemstone material and there are almandine, pyrope, spessartine (aluminium series) and grossular, andradite, uvarovite (calcium series). Albeit being common, the garnet group were formed by numerous species - mostly not gem-quality. Garnet is a relatively common mineral that forms mostly in metamorphic conditions, but also can be found in igneous rocks. ![]() “Fingerprint” inclusions observed in the Mahenge Spinel shown in picture above. Rough Spinels in marble and pyrite matrix from Myanmar.Īn approximately 2 carats “Mahenge” Spinel, Africa. From left to right: Rough spinel from Thailand, Myanmar (Mogok), Myanmar (Mogok, “Star of David”). Rough spinel crystals seen in octahedral shapes. Overall, this gem is the ultimate alternative to ruby. Some spinel varieties can be quite rare too, for example the blue variety of cobalt and gahnospinel, as well as the red/pink Jedi spinel. As more exposure for fine spinel to the market, demand increases and so does its price. Now, one thing is for sure, spinel is starting to get its limelight. For being singly refractive and relatively clean gem, spinel can be quite brilliant. Besides red, other colours are also available such as violet, purple, blue, pink, grey, black, and colourless. It is used to be mined in the same ancient locality of Badakhshan, the same place where the infamous “Black Prince Ruby” was discovered.Ĭommonly spinels are found red, having the same trace elements of chromium as ruby that causes its colour. Constantly subjected to misidentification throughout history, spinels were relatively unknown and underappreciated. Spinel is the one gemstone that could compete with ruby in terms of colour intensity. Such gem materials are often carved into various animals or symbols In this picture, the ruby (purplish-red) is part of the zoisite material (from Tanzania). Rubies can be formed with other minerals such as zoisite too. Left to right: Rough rubies from Afghanistan, Vietnam and Myanmar.Ĥ.11 carat heated ruby from Madagascar set in 18k white gold and diamonds. Therefore, heat treatment (a treatment accepted in the trade as long as it has been disclosed) is commonly applied on low to medium ranged quality rubies to provide more supply in the trade. Intense colouration requires the correct traces of chromium within its atomic structure, and moreover rubies are often moderately included with impurities that compromise its clarity. Today top quality rubies are getting scarce. With no cleavage planes or structural weakness, it is exceptionally durable for everyday wear. Ruby’s red hue can be so saturated, almost blood-like that it was linked to life itself and it is known as “Pigeon’s Blood” in the market.Īpart from its highly sought-after colour, ruby stands as the second hardest natural gemstone of 9 at the Mohs Hardness Scale. Thought to be discovered as early as 2500 BCE in Mogok, Myanmar (used to be known as Burma), very often the largest rubies will be sent directly to the Burmese ruler to become his property. One of the most distinguished gemstones in the market, ruby is the king of coloured stone.
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