About Spinel

Shop Spinel HERE 

Keep reading to discover more about Spinel

  • Mineralogy and geology*
  • Metaphysical, Spiritual and Healing** Properties***
  • Common Associations

Mineralogy and Geology of Spinel

Spinel is a common accessory mineral in igneous rocks and some marbles. Due to its hardness it can also be found in some stream sediments. 

Composition: MgAl2O4

Crystal system: Isometric

 Crystal habit: Crystals are usually octahedral; less often dodecahedral; cubic is rare. Can be massive, coarse-granular to compact..

Cleavage: None observed

Fracture:  Irregular/uneven, splintery, conchoidal

Color: black, blue, red, violet, green, brown, pink

Luster:  Vitreous

Diaphaneity: Transparent / translucent

Moh’s scale hardness: 7 ½ - 8

Streak: Grayish-white

Specific gravity:  3.6 – 4.1

Named after:  Named in 1779 by Belgian physician, naturalist, geologist, and mineralogist Jean Démeste from the Latin spinella(little thorn), alluding to its sharp octahedral crystals. 

Geological occurrence: An accessory mineral in igneous rocks, principally basalts, peridotites, kimberlites. In marbles, pegmatites.

 Spiritual, Metaphysical and Healing Properties

Crystal energy experts say that spinel can be worked with to renew energy and provide encouragement to continue with difficult tasks. It also has the energy of beauty, and has been called a “stone of immortality,” initiating rejuvenation to whatever is beginning to degrade.

Black spinel provides grounding and stamina to follow through with challenging tasks. It is also a protective stone.

Common Associations

  • Chakras – depends on color
  • Numerology – vibrates to the number 3; black vibrates to the number 5.
  • Zodiac – Sagittarius and Aries; black is Taurus
  • Birthstone – August (recent addition by the AGTA and Jewellers of America)
  • Wedding Anniversary – 22nd

_____

* Mineralogical information is from mindat.org

** Always consult with your medical professional for any physical or long-term healing issues.

*** Metaphysical properties come from: 

Love Is in the Earth (1995) Melody, Earth-Love Publishing House, 726 pp.

The Crystal Bible, A Definitive Guide to Crystals (2003) Judy Hall, Walking Stick Press, 399 pp.