Spinel: The Coolest Gem You鈥檝e (Probably) Never Heard Of
August 10, 2018
By Isabelle Corvin, CG, Staff Gemologist at Panowicz Jewelers Spinel is an oxide mineral that crystallizes in the cubic structure and has quite the mixed-up history. As of 2016, it is also the newest birthstone to be added to the birthstone list! August babies now have a choice between vivid peridot and alluring spinel. The word 鈥渟pinel鈥� comes from the Latin word Spinella, which means 鈥渓ittle thorn鈥� or 鈥渁rrow-shaped.” Spinel gems come in a wide range of colors and saturations, though perhaps the most famous (and mistakenly infamous) is the red variety. In ancient cultures, red spinel was always grouped together