Spinel as a natural gem is relatively unknown to the public and that is a shame because in its finest qualities, it holds its own among the elite of the gem kingdom. Red spinel has often been confused for ruby and in the English Crown Jewels, there are two large spinels that have been mistaken for rubies for centuries. Spinel is found in bright pure red, reddish brown, blue, greenish blue, yellow, and purple as well as many shades in between these colors. Occasionally star spinel will be found but it is rare. The most expensive color in spinel is a bright pure red or slightly orangy-red. Expect to find gems with few inclusions and look for lively color.

Synthetic spinel has been used since the 1920's and is commonly found in class rings and birthstone jewelry because of its durability and range of colors available. This wide availability of synthetic spinel has caused many in the jewelry trade to look at natural spinel as a low cost, undesirable gem. But natural spinel is relatively rare and very undervalued in the marketplace. This would be a great gem with which to begin a colored gem collection because truly exceptional gems could be purchased at very attractive prices.