The spelling of the gemstone "ruby spinel" can be explained through its phonetic transcription. The word "ruby" is pronounced as /ˈruːbi/ while "spinel" is pronounced as /spɪˈnel/. The phonetic symbols show that "ruby" is pronounced with a long "oo" sound and an "ee" sound at the end, while "spinel" is pronounced with a short "ih" sound and a stress on the first syllable. The combination of the two words "ruby" and "spinel" creates a beautiful and valuable gemstone that shares characteristics with its namesake rubies.
Ruby spinel is a precious gemstone that is highly valued for its vibrant red color and exceptional brilliance. It belongs to the spinel mineral family and is often mistaken for a ruby due to its striking resemblance in appearance. However, it is important to note that ruby spinel is a distinct gemstone in its own right.
In terms of physical characteristics, ruby spinel is a hard and durable gemstone, measuring 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It typically exhibits a rich red to deep pinkish-red hue, with a high refractive index that contributes to its remarkable brilliance. The gemstone's color is primarily influenced by the presence of chromium and iron elements within its crystal structure.
Ruby spinel is revered for its exceptional clarity, with minimal inclusions and blemishes, enhancing its overall beauty. It is often faceted to accentuate its natural brilliance and maximize light reflection. Due to its rarity and outstanding beauty, ruby spinel holds significant value in the gemstone market and is sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
This gemstone has a long-standing history and has been associated with various symbolic meanings. It is believed to bring vitality, passion, and courage to the wearer. Ruby spinel is also regarded as a symbol of love, strength, and protection. These attributes contribute to its popularity in jewelry design, particularly in engagement rings, necklaces, and earrings.
The word "ruby" can be traced back to the Latin word "ruber", which means "red". It originally referred to the red variety of corundum, a mineral that includes both rubies and sapphires. "Spinel", on the other hand, comes from the Latin word "spina", meaning "thorn", due to the sharp crystal form of spinel. Over time, the term "ruby spinel" emerged to describe a particular gemstone that exhibited the red color of a ruby but was actually a spinel mineral. It is important to note that spinel and ruby are two distinct gemstones with different chemical compositions and properties.