What is the Black Prince Ruby?

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.

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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.

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 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 .

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 spinel and pink spinel stones because red is more popular and rarer. The blood-red Spinels 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 cut spinel and oval cut spinel 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.

Also read about the Red Spinel price Guide for complete guidelines about the price.

How do I care for Red Spinel jewelry?

Caring for your red spinel jewelry is quite straightforward and ensures that your precious gem stays beautiful and brilliant for years to come. Always handle your red spinel jewelry with care. When you're not wearing it, store it in a soft cloth pouch or a jewelry box lined with fabric to prevent scratches. Clean it with a mild soap mixed with warm water and a soft brush.

What factors affect the value of Red Spinel?

The value of red spinel is influenced by several key factors such as color, quality, inclusions, cut, carat, and its overall appearance. Origin can sometimes influence the value too.

What are the color variations of Red Spinel?

Red spinel comes in a delightful range of color variations such as intense red, orangey-red, and pinkish-red. There are also red spinels with a deeper, almost burgundy or wine-red color. These color variations occur naturally and are influenced by the specific trace elements present in the stone during its formation.

Does Red Spinel have any healing properties?

In the realm of crystal healing, red spinel is thought to be a stone of revitalization and rejuvenation. It's said to help boost physical energy and stamina, making it a great companion for those who need an extra push to get through the day.

What is the price of Red Spinel in India?

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.