Spinel: The Great Impostor That Fooled Every Crown in Europe

Set in the front of the British Imperial State Crown blazes the Black Prince's Ruby — five hundred years of royal history, war and legend. It is not a ruby. It is a spinel, and for centuries nobody could tell the difference. Today that case of mistaken identity is spinel's best advertisement: a gem good enough to fool every crown in Europe.

Why the confusion was forgivable

Spinel grows in the very same marble deposits as ruby — Burma's Mogok valley chief among them — in overlapping reds, with comparable fire. Gemmology only learned to separate the species in the modern era, retroactively re-labelling some of history's most famous 'rubies' (the Timur Ruby too). Our famous stones and ruby guide tell the neighbouring chapters.

The modern case for spinel

It is almost never treated. While rubies assume heat, spinel arrives as the earth made it — the same refreshing honesty as garnet, covered in our treatments guide. It is brilliant: high clarity, lively fire, Mohs 8 durability for confident daily wear. And it is still catching up in price — collectors have driven fine red and cobalt-blue spinel sharply upward this decade, but against equivalent ruby it remains compelling value.

The colours to know

Flame reds and hot pinks lead; steel greys have become the design world's darling; and rare cobalt-blue spinel — electric, natural, tiny supply — now commands connoisseur prices. August birthdays note: spinel was added alongside peridot on the modern birthstone calendar.

Buying the impostor honestly

Demand certification for significant stones (synthetic spinel has existed for a century — the certificate guide applies), buy vivid over dark, and move decisively when a fine one appears: good spinel sells fast. Tell us your brief and we will watch the parcels — it is a stone we adore recommending.

Continue your gem education

Famous Sapphires · How to Buy a Ruby · Sapphire Origins Compared · browse all Gem Guides — or explore loose gemstones.