Spinelle is a type of mineral that is often used as a gemstone. The spelling of Spinelle can be tricky because English is not a phonetic language, meaning that the spelling of a word does not always match its pronunciation. However, the phonetic transcription of Spinelle is /spɪˈnɛl/. This means that the word is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by a stressed "e" sound, and ending with a soft "ell" sound. So, next time you come across Spinelle, remember to pronounce it as "spih-nell."
Spinelle is a gemstone that belongs to the corundum mineral family. It is a highly desirable gemstone due to its brilliant colors and high hardness. The term "spinelle" is derived from the Latin word "spina," which means thorn, owing to its sharp, pointed crystal structure. It typically occurs in octahedral or rhombic dodecahedral crystal forms and can be found in various locations around the world, including Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Tanzania.
With a high refractive index and strong dispersion, spinelle exhibits an exceptional brilliance and fire when cut and polished. It is most commonly found in red color varieties, resembling the vibrant shade of ruby, but can also occur in a range of other hues, including pink, orange, violet, blue, and black. Spinelle is known for its durability, with a Mohs hardness rating of 8, making it relatively resistant to scratches and suitable for use in jewelry.
Historically, spinelle has been mistaken for other gemstones, such as ruby and sapphire, due to similarities in their appearance. However, it has gained recognition as a distinct and valuable gemstone. Its rare blue spinelle variation, in particular, has captured attention and has become highly sought-after in the gem market. Spinelle is revered for its beauty, durability, and the captivating spectrum of colors it offers, making it a popular choice for both collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.
The word "Spinelle" comes from the Old French word "espinele", derived from the Latin word "spīnellus", meaning "little thorn". The gemstone Spinelle was named due to its sharp crystal shape, which resembled a thorn.