A Good Ruby Simulant Could Be Made From Spinel

A Good Ruby Simulant Could Be Made From Spinel: Exploring the Gemological Properties and Market Implications

Spinel, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours in the gemstone world, possesses a fascinating versatility. While prized in its own right for its vibrant colours and exceptional hardness, spinel's gemological properties also make it an excellent candidate as a ruby simulant. This article delves deep into the reasons why spinel, particularly red spinel, serves as a convincing and ethically sound alternative to ruby, examining its properties, market impact, and the future of this often-overlooked gem.

Understanding the Allure of Ruby

Ruby, a variety of corundum (Al₂O₃) known for its intense red hue, has captivated humankind for millennia. Its rich colour, associated with passion, power, and vitality, has cemented its place as a prized gemstone. However, high-quality rubies, particularly those with vivid "pigeon blood" red, are exceptionally rare and consequently, command exorbitant prices. This scarcity drives the demand for affordable alternatives, pushing spinel into the spotlight.

Spinel: A Worthy Contender

Spinel (MgAl₂O₄), a distinct mineral species, shares many gemological similarities with ruby, making it a compelling substitute. Let's examine the key properties that contribute to spinel's effectiveness as a ruby simulant:

1. Colour Mimicry: The Key to Deception (in a good way!)

The most crucial aspect is the colour. High-quality red spinels can exhibit a remarkably similar hue to rubies, ranging from intense crimson to slightly purplish-red. Some exceptional spinels even boast the coveted "pigeon blood" red, previously thought to be exclusive to rubies. This colour similarity is what allows spinel to effectively impersonate ruby, albeit with full transparency regarding its true identity.

2. Hardness and Durability: Built to Last

Both spinel and ruby boast impressive hardness, scoring 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. This exceptional durability ensures that spinel simulants, like their ruby counterparts, can withstand daily wear and tear without significant damage. This shared characteristic is vital in making spinel a reliable and long-lasting substitute.

3. Brilliance and Refractive Index: A Sparkling Similarity

While not exactly identical, spinel's refractive index (1.712 - 1.728) is relatively close to ruby's (1.76 - 1.77), resulting in a similar brilliance and fire. The subtle differences are often imperceptible to the untrained eye, further enhancing spinel's ability to convincingly imitate ruby.

4. Ethical Sourcing: A Responsible Choice

A significant advantage of using spinel as a ruby simulant is its often more ethical and sustainable sourcing. Many ruby mines are associated with conflict, environmental damage, and unethical labour practices. Spinel sources, while not entirely immune to such issues, generally offer a more transparent and responsible alternative for consumers seeking ethically-sourced gemstones.

Distinguishing Spinel from Ruby: The Expert's Perspective

While spinel makes an excellent ruby simulant, discerning gemologists can differentiate between the two using specific techniques:

• Specific Gravity: Spinel (3.58 - 3.62) has a lower specific gravity than ruby (3.95 - 4.05).
• Refractive Index: As mentioned, slight differences in refractive index can be detected with a refractometer.
• Fluorescence: Under UV light, spinel and ruby exhibit different fluorescence patterns.
• Spectroscopic Analysis: This advanced technique reveals unique spectral lines for each gemstone.

Market Implications: A Growing Trend

The use of spinel as a ruby simulant is gaining traction within the gemstone market. Consumers are becoming more aware of the ethical considerations surrounding gem sourcing, making spinel an increasingly attractive alternative. This trend benefits both consumers and the industry:

• Affordability: Spinel offers a significantly more affordable option compared to high-quality rubies, making luxury-looking jewellery accessible to a broader audience.
• Ethical Consumption: Consumers can enjoy the beauty of a ruby-like gemstone with a clearer conscience, knowing that their purchase supports more ethical mining practices.
• Market Expansion: The increased demand for spinel stimulates growth in the gemstone market, leading to new opportunities for miners, cutters, and jewellery designers.

The Future of Spinel as a Ruby Simulant

The future looks bright for spinel as a ruby simulant. The increasing awareness of ethical sourcing, coupled with spinel's remarkable gemological properties and affordability, will likely continue to drive demand. This opens exciting possibilities for:

• Innovation in Jewellery Design: Spinel's versatility allows for innovative designs that showcase its beauty and mimic the appeal of ruby jewellery.
• Educational Initiatives: Greater transparency regarding spinel as a ruby simulant will educate consumers and dispel misconceptions about synthetic vs. natural gemstones.
• Sustainability in the Gem Industry: Increased demand for spinel promotes sustainable mining practices and reduces reliance on ethically problematic ruby sources.

Conclusion: A Transparent and Ethical Alternative

Spinel presents a compelling and responsible solution to the high cost and ethical concerns associated with rubies. Its stunning colour, exceptional durability, and ethical sourcing advantages make it an excellent ruby simulant. While discerning experts can differentiate between the two, for many, the subtle differences are negligible, leading to a win-win situation for consumers and the gemstone industry alike. The growing popularity of spinel signifies a positive shift towards more transparent and ethical gemstone consumption, fostering a more sustainable and responsible future for the gem trade. It's time to acknowledge spinel's merits, not just as a gem in its own right, but also as a valuable and beautiful alternative to ruby, pushing the boundaries of ethical and affordable luxury.