Spinel ruby is a gemstone that is often mistaken for a true ruby. Its name comes from the mineral spinel, which is the primary constituent of the stone. The pronunciation of "spinel ruby" is [spɪˌnɛl ˈruːbi], with the stress on the second syllable of "spinel." The "i" in "spinel" is pronounced as a short "i" sound, while the "u" in "ruby" is pronounced as a long "u" sound. Its spelling, therefore, reflects its pronunciation, making the word easy to recognize and spell correctly.
Spinel ruby is a gemstone that belongs to the spinel family and is known for its rich red color. It is often confused with true rubies, which are made of the mineral corundum. Spinel rubies are commonly found as octahedral crystals and have a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making them relatively durable and suitable for jewelry.
The name "spinel ruby" is derived from the Latin word "ruber," which means red. This gemstone has been valued for centuries and has a long history of being used in royal jewelry. Its beautiful red color is caused by trace amounts of chromium within the spinel crystal structure.
Spinel rubies are known for their exceptional brilliance and clarity. They display strong red hues that can range from a deep purple-red to a vivid pinkish-red. This gemstone often exhibits a vibrant color saturation, lending a captivating allure to any piece of jewelry it adorns.
Due to their similarity in color, spinel rubies were often mistaken for true rubies in the past. However, true rubies are much rarer and command a higher price in the market. Spinel rubies, on the other hand, offer an affordable yet stunning alternative for those seeking a vibrant red gemstone.
In summary, a spinel ruby is a gemstone that possesses a rich red color and belongs to the spinel family. It is valued for its beauty, durability, and affordability, making it a popular choice in jewelry design.
A name applied to the scarlet varieties of spinel.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "spinel" is derived from the Latin word "spinella", which means "little thorn" or "arrow" due to the shape of its crystal structure. The term "spinella" was used in ancient times to refer to any type of red gemstone.
The term "ruby" comes from the Latin word "rubeus", which translates to "red". It originally referred to red spinel gemstones, as they were often mistaken for true rubies. It was not until 1783 that spinel and ruby were identified as separate minerals.
Therefore, the term "spinel ruby" is a historical reference to spinel gemstones that resemble rubies.