Spinel is the great impostor of gemstone history, as many famous rubies in crown jewels around the world are actually spinel. In ancient Sanskrit writings, spinel was called the daughter of ruby. Now treasured for its own sake, spinel is a favorite of gem lovers because of its brilliance, durability (7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale) and range of colors including red, pastel shades of pink and purple and blues sometimes called cobalt.

Spinel can be found in Myammar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Tadjikistan, part of the former Soviet Union. The recommended gift for the 22nd wedding anniversary, spinel has been thought throughout history to ease sadness, reconcile differences, and protect against harm.