NEw Red SPinels
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Gemology
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Gemology
New Red Spinels
We've added a few more red spinels to our collection. We've been collecting a variety of colored spinels recently, but red has always been our favorite (along with the grey and pink ones).
This week, I'll be introducing some of our best "good" to "high-end" red spinels.
This week, I'll be introducing some of our best "good" to "high-end" red spinels.
1783
The French mineralogist Jean-Baptiste Louis Romé de l'Isle developed a test that showed a spinel was not a ruby
By Benjamin Poudevigne, Marketing Manager @GemMatrix
August 22nd, 2022
Gemology
Does Spinel Size Influence Its Price?
The cut quality has an impact on the overall appearance and value of the stone. A well-cut stone with appropriate proportions will be far more stunning and appreciated than a poorly cut stone. Some lapidary will choose a larger but poorly cut stone over a smaller but well-cut stone. Given the scarcity of spinel, larger stones are usually not cut to typical market sizes, but rather to maximise the production of the rough.
The price is of course affected by the size of the stone. We must begin with a large spinel rough to cut a big faceted stone. The larger the rough, the rarer it is. When fine quality red, blue, and pink spinels weigh more than 5 carats, the price per carat rises dramatically.
Personal preferences or styles can also have an impact on the market and consequently its value.
The stone's geographical origin may also add value.
The price is of course affected by the size of the stone. We must begin with a large spinel rough to cut a big faceted stone. The larger the rough, the rarer it is. When fine quality red, blue, and pink spinels weigh more than 5 carats, the price per carat rises dramatically.
Personal preferences or styles can also have an impact on the market and consequently its value.
The stone's geographical origin may also add value.
Business
Synthetic Spinels
Synthetic spinels have long been thought to be difficult to replicate in the lab. It was discovered, however, by scientists working on a flame-fusion blue synthetic sapphire. This, like many other discoveries, actually started by accident!
Flux growth, which has been commercially available since the 1980s, produces true synthetic spinels with a 1:1 magnesia to alumina ratio, just like natural spinel.
As a result, their RIs, SGs, and polariscope reactions will be quite identical. A practiced eye can determine that the colors are "off" just a bit from the naturally colored gems.
(Note: we don't sell any treated nor synthetic spinels at GemMatrix)
Flux growth, which has been commercially available since the 1980s, produces true synthetic spinels with a 1:1 magnesia to alumina ratio, just like natural spinel.
As a result, their RIs, SGs, and polariscope reactions will be quite identical. A practiced eye can determine that the colors are "off" just a bit from the naturally colored gems.
(Note: we don't sell any treated nor synthetic spinels at GemMatrix)
Business
Rubies Vs Red Spinels
The majority of rubies are treated, which leads people to believe that the stones have been artificially enhanced. Nowadays, people yearn for things that are authentic. This is where spinel comes into play. The majority of spinels available on the market are untreated, without any treatments.
The greatest benefit is that red spinels are less expensive than rubies. For an equivalent value of $50,000 per carat, a spinel of the same size and quality would fetch between $1,000 and $10,000 per carat.
The greatest benefit is that red spinels are less expensive than rubies. For an equivalent value of $50,000 per carat, a spinel of the same size and quality would fetch between $1,000 and $10,000 per carat.
All of our spinels come from reliable suppliers with whom we have worked for years. If you are unsure about the authenticity of a stone, we will provide you with a certificate upon request.
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Benjamin Poudevigne
Social Media Manager at GemMatrix
With over ten years of marketing experience, I finally decided to settle down in Bangkok to work in an area that I have always been interested in: the gemstones industry. I'm still learning how the market works on a daily basis, and I enjoy sharing my experience with those who are interested in learning more about gems in general.