Red Spinel,also known as ‘Spinel ruby gemstone’, is the deep red color variety of Spinel that is considered most valuable. It is quite rare and is worn as a substitute for Ruby in astrology and jewelry. It also holds deep metaphysical meaning and is worn to gain stability and balance in life.
Red Spinel Meaning and Properties
Red Spinel is the Ruby-red variety of the Spinel family. Fine Red Spinel is rarer than Ruby of equal color tone. However, it is an undervalued gemstone, with its cost about 30% lower than Ruby. The scarcity of good Spinel is the reason for its lack of demand and popularity. This inhibits Spinel from being a more mainstream gemstone.
Red Spinel can be identical in appearance to Ruby. However, Spinel is usually lighter in color, and the deep-red Spinel is usually more of a brick-red than the Red of Ruby which has a slight blue or purple tinge to it. However, only optical properties and hardness can truly distinguish these two gemstones.
Here are some of Red Spinel’s Properties
Mineral Class
Spinel
Chemical Formula
MgAl2O4
Alternate Names
Spinel-Ruby, Black Prince Ruby
Sources
Burma (Myanmar), Tanzania
Color Variations
White, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Brown, Pink, Purple, and Black
Hardness (On Moh’s Scale)
7.5 - 8
Crystal System
Isometric
Specific Gravity
3.5 - 3.7
Diaphaneity
Transparent to Translucent
Refractive Index
1.712 - 1.736
Double Refraction
None
Luster
Vitreous
Cleavage
None, but might have slight parting.
Red Spinel Astrological Benefits
Since Red Spinel is a substitute for Ruby, it has similar astrological benefits as that of Ruby. Red Spinel represents the Sun and works the same way as a Ruby does, only in a weaker fashion due to the reason that it is a substitute.
Professional and Academic Success
: Ruled by the powerful Sun, Red Spinel benefits people working in professions or positions where authority is commanded e.g. administrative services, politics, diplomacy, and other leadership roles. It is also advised to be worn by students preparing for state or central services examinations.
Improved Financial and Social Status
: One of the many acclaimed astrological benefits of wearing Red Spinel is the improved social status of a native's life. Astrologers believe that Red Spinel stone benefits the wearer by not only elevating one’s financial condition but also maintaining the imperial and luxurious lifestyle as well. Red Spinel is also beneficial for people struggling with self-esteem issues. Red Spinel positively affects self-confidence by reorienting the emotional intelligence of the wearer.
Better Paternal Relationships
: Since Sun is acknowledged as the father figure in Vedic astrology, it is known to bear some influence on paternal relationships. It is believed that Red Spinel is also beneficial for the native’s father and thus can be worn to improve his weakened circumstances as well.
Red Spinel Healing Benefits
Sun is regarded as the karaka of bones, eyes, and heart. Restored vitality, improved blood circulation & eyesight are some of the health benefits of Red Spinel gemstone.
It enhances vitality, stamina and physical energy.
Red Spinel benefits teeth, skin, gums, spine, etc. It makes the wearer slim with a healthy weight.
Who Should Wear Red Spinel?
Depending on the placement of Sun in a person's horoscope, wearing Red Spinel gemstone can favorably improve the career, health, temperament and social status of natives and related ascendants.
Indian or Vedic astrology assigns Red Spinel for Leo.
Western astrology recommends Red Spinel stone for Leo sun-sign.
How to Wear Red Spinel?
Red Spinel should be worn on the ring finger of the working hand and Sunday morning is the most suitable time. Blood-RedSpinel works the best although stones with lighter hues can also be worn. It is strongly advised to wear the ring with Gold but Brass, Silver or White Gold can also be considered as alternatives. The weight of the stone must be 1/12th of the bodyweight of the wearer. Meaning, if the wearer weighs 60kgs, the stone must weigh 5 carats (1/12th of 60 is 5).
Red Spinel Jewelry
Red Spinel jewelry pieces are worn in different styles. The jewelry makers design the patterns that are in demand and as per the latest trends. They can be worn as necklaces, pendants, rings, earrings, and bracelets.
Red Spinel Necklace
: Red Spinel can be worn as ravishing gold or silver necklaces. They look amazing with Bridal wear and can really put your looks up upon the pedestal.
Red Spinel Pendant
: Red Spinel pendants look absolutely gorgeous on anyone who wears it. The blood-red luster of the gemstone can really grab anyone’s attention. It goes well with a Gold or Silver body as well as chains of the same metals or alloys like Brass.
Red Spinel Rings
: Red Spinel rings are highly adorned for their economical yet dashing properties. When made with gold, white gold, silver or platinum, it really comes out and catches everyone’s eye.
Red Spinel Earrings
: Red Spinel earrings are the most economical yet magnificent pieces of jewelry. The red overtones of the stone highlight the face of the wearer and beautify the wearer.
Red Spinel Bracelets
: Red Spinel makes for really adorable bracelets that suit anyone and goes well with any fashion style. Their dark but bright overtones make the wearer look graceful and stylish.
Red Spinel Prices
Red Spinel usually sells for Rs 1,500 to Rs 50,000 per carat plus. Red Spinel value varies depending upon the quality and size. In recent years, Red Spinel's price has begun to increase steadily because of its growing popularity and demand in the gem and jewelry industry. The price of Red Spinels is evaluated by considering its origin, color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
Origin
: The price of Red Spinels from Burma and Tanzania remains high due to their extravagant elegance and large scarcity.
Color
: Red Spinel value often beats the price of orange and pink Spinel stones because red is more popular and rarer. The blood-redSpinels sell for more as compared to Red Spinels with lighter tones and saturations.
Clarity
: The location and type of inclusions in a Red Spinel stone can affect the price significantly. The price of Red Spinel increases with the decrease in the number of visible inclusions in it.
Cut
: The way Red Spinel is cut also drives its value in the market. Generally, Red Spinels in commercial cuts like the round, cushion and oval cut are more affordable than the highly customized emerald, square and rectangular pieces. Red Spinel cabochon is always the most affordable choice because it lacks facets and causes minimum wastage of rough.
Carat Weight
: Since Red Spinel is pretty rare, its price per carat increases with an increase in size. The bigger the stone, the higher its price will be.
The Black Prince's Ruby is a big, irregular cabochon gemstone weighing 170 carats, set in the cross pattée overhead the Cullinan II diamond at the exterior of the Imperial State Crown of England. For centuries, the Red Spinel varieties were confused with precious rubies and sapphires. In fact, the Black Prince’s Ruby studded in the Imperial state crown of England is actually a superior class Red Spinel.
Red Spinel gemstone price in India starts from Rs 1,500 per carat ($25 approx.) and some auction quality pieces can grab a whopping price of Rs 50,000 per carat ($780 approx.) and above.