Spinel 1.38 ct

A soft orangey pink Spinel from Luc Yen, Vietnam. Cut into a traditional mixed cushion.

Once mistaken for ruby or sapphire, spinel is now rightly celebrated for its exceptional brilliance, vivid color, and impressive durability. With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale and excellent toughness, it is well-suited for everyday jewelry. Spinel occurs in a wide range of striking hues—from fiery red and electric pink to cobalt blue and beyond—making it a captivating alternative to more traditional gemstones. Fine specimens from renowned sources such as Luc Yen (Vietnam), Mahenge (Tanzania), and Burma are increasingly prized by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.

Luc Yen, in northern Vietnam’s Yen Bai province, is one of the world’s most important sources of gem-quality spinel. Discovered alongside ruby in 1987, spinel is mined from both marble-hosted primary deposits and alluvial placers. The region yields a rich spectrum of colors, including vivid red, pink, purple, and rare cobalt-blue varieties. Mined mainly by local farmers, Luc Yen spinels are renowned for their beauty, transparency, and growing appeal among collectors.

Carat Weight: 1.38 ct
Color: Pink
Cut: Cushion
Treatment: None
Origin: Luc Yen, Vietnam
Clarity: Eyeclean
Measurements: 7.2 x 5.5 x 3.9 mm