raddygast
Shiny_Rock
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2004
- Messages
- 179
Hello everyone,
I believe I am very close to finally finding my spinel, so I was wondering about the best way to gather as much information as possible on this gemstone so I can compile a little factbook for myself. Naturally, I have learned a lot over the past (nearly) 4 months of searching and researching -- so much so that I often forget where it was that I read a certain thing, and/or wonder if something I recall is really true or if I am confusing a bit of information from another stone.
So I was wondering if all you wonderful PSers out there might be able to generously donate some web links for me, in this thread. Links to sites with blurbs (and hopefully more than just blurbs) on spinel, particularly red spinel. Even links to other threads on Pricescope. There was a good one earlier about spinel vs. ruby.
The things I''m most interested in are facts about rarity, trends in market value and marketability of spinels, differences between spinel and other red gemstones (chemical, optical, crystal habit, etc.), more information on fluorescence and what causes it, why truly red Burmese spinel, Paraiba tourmaline, Alexandrite, and Demantoid garnet for example are still considered "semi-precious" when really washed out, barely-fuchsia corundum is sold as "ruby." And so forth.
Any interesting tidbits, even personal anecdotes to share about this wonderful stone? I was initially drawn to it out of the sheer impossibility of getting what I wanted out of a ruby -- but now I would almost prefer spinel, all things being equal (other than price!). No pleochroism, single-refractive, etc.
The one thing that I think detracts from the gem and its perceived value is the sheer amount of really crap spinel out there -- stuff of ugly color, or too much iron content (ruddy color), that cost easily below 100 per carat. That material is clearly in another category entirely from red spinel, flame spinel, really good pink (namya) spinel, and the rarer blue spinels.
It''s too bad we can''t call these bad boys "balas rubies" anymore.
Anyway, any help appreciated. There seems to be a resurging interest in spinel on this forum anyway...
I believe I am very close to finally finding my spinel, so I was wondering about the best way to gather as much information as possible on this gemstone so I can compile a little factbook for myself. Naturally, I have learned a lot over the past (nearly) 4 months of searching and researching -- so much so that I often forget where it was that I read a certain thing, and/or wonder if something I recall is really true or if I am confusing a bit of information from another stone.
So I was wondering if all you wonderful PSers out there might be able to generously donate some web links for me, in this thread. Links to sites with blurbs (and hopefully more than just blurbs) on spinel, particularly red spinel. Even links to other threads on Pricescope. There was a good one earlier about spinel vs. ruby.
The things I''m most interested in are facts about rarity, trends in market value and marketability of spinels, differences between spinel and other red gemstones (chemical, optical, crystal habit, etc.), more information on fluorescence and what causes it, why truly red Burmese spinel, Paraiba tourmaline, Alexandrite, and Demantoid garnet for example are still considered "semi-precious" when really washed out, barely-fuchsia corundum is sold as "ruby." And so forth.
Any interesting tidbits, even personal anecdotes to share about this wonderful stone? I was initially drawn to it out of the sheer impossibility of getting what I wanted out of a ruby -- but now I would almost prefer spinel, all things being equal (other than price!). No pleochroism, single-refractive, etc.
The one thing that I think detracts from the gem and its perceived value is the sheer amount of really crap spinel out there -- stuff of ugly color, or too much iron content (ruddy color), that cost easily below 100 per carat. That material is clearly in another category entirely from red spinel, flame spinel, really good pink (namya) spinel, and the rarer blue spinels.
It''s too bad we can''t call these bad boys "balas rubies" anymore.
Anyway, any help appreciated. There seems to be a resurging interest in spinel on this forum anyway...