Let’s clear something up: rubies don’t get all the credit they deserve… because spinel has been stealing their thunder for centuries.

In fact, some of the world’s most famous “rubies” — the 170-carat Black Prince’s Ruby set in the British Imperial State Crown, for example — aren’t rubies at all. They’re spinel. Oops.

That’s right: this vibrant gem has been hiding in plain sight for hundreds of years, mistaken for its fiery cousin. But spinel isn’t just ruby’s understudy. It’s a star in its own right — and one of the most fascinating gemstones you probably haven’t thought much about.

What Exactly Is Spinel?

Spinel is a mineral that comes in a rainbow of colors, from cobalt blue to hot pink to orange and purple. But it’s the vivid red variety that most often gets confused with ruby. Both stones are hard, durable, and rich in color, but here’s the kicker: they’re completely different minerals.

While ruby belongs to the corundum family, spinel has its own unique crystal structure. That difference gives it a slightly different kind of sparkle — a softer glow that feels velvety, almost like the color is lit from within.

The Ruby Confusion — And the Value of Knowing the Difference

For centuries, spinels and rubies were virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye. Without modern gemology tools, even kings and queens wore “rubies” that were actually spinels. Today, we can identify them, and that distinction matters — because their values on the market are very different.

A fine ruby can command astronomical prices, while a spinel of similar beauty is often more affordable. That doesn’t make spinel any less special — in fact, it makes it one of the best-kept secrets in the gemstone world. You get bold, vivid color without ruby’s steep price tag.

An Official Birthstone for August

Here’s something most people don’t realize: in 2016, spinel was officially added as an alternate August birthstone, right alongside peridot. So if you’re an August baby who isn’t into chartreuse-green peridot, spinel gives you a whole new palette to choose from.

Think hot pink spinel in a cocktail ring. Deep red spinel in an antique-style pendant. Or even cobalt blue spinel for something totally unexpected. As birthstones go, spinel might be the most versatile.

Why Appraising Spinel Matters

Because spinel has been confused with ruby for so long, it’s one of those stones that absolutely requires a professional eye. Whether you’re buying a vintage piece, inheriting a family heirloom, or considering spinel as an alternative to ruby, an appraisal ensures you know exactly what you have — and what it’s worth.

Here in the Greater Baltimore Area, we provide independent, detailed appraisals that uncover not only whether a gem is ruby or spinel, but also its color quality, cut, treatments, and market value.

The Underdog Gemstone Worth Celebrating

Spinel might have spent centuries in ruby’s shadow, but its moment is now. Bold, colorful, and a little rebellious, spinel is the underdog gemstone we love to champion.

If you own one — or think you might — make sure it’s properly appraised. Because whether it’s ruby or spinel, the story is worth knowing, and the value is worth protecting.

Book your appraisal today and let’s uncover the true identity (and beauty) of your gemstone.