In the past, the stone was associated with the ruby; for example, spinel is the famous "Black Princes Ruby", found in the Imperial Crown of England. It is thought to help renew energy.
Its name comes from the Latin word "spina", which means spike, as the native rock of the spinel is surrounded by sharp spikes. In ancient texts, red spinel is referred to as 'anthracon' or 'anthrax' from its colour, which resembles red-hot coal. These references are also likely to refer to red garnet, red tourmaline and ruby. Its extraction began in ancient times in the mines of Badakhshan in Afghanistan. Spinel is also mentioned in the diary of the Venetian explorer Marco Polo (1254 - 1324). The stone was first described by the scholar Georg Bauer or Georgius Agricola in 1546. It was named in 1783 by the French mineralogist Jean-Baptiste Romé. It was not officially recognised as a separate stone until the 19th century. Previously, it was associated with ruby and sapphire. Some of the world's most prominent "rubies" are actually spinels.Like the "Black Prince's Ruby", found in the Imperial Crown of England, it is a 170-carat red spinel. The stone first appeared in the 14th century in the historical records of Spain and belonged to Moorish and Spanish kings; it was given in 1367 to Edward, the "Black Prince" of Wales, as a reward for winning a battle. Another 360-carat red spinel is the "Timur Ruby", which belongs to Queen Elizabeth's collection and has the names of the Mongol emperors who previously owned it engraved on it, indicating its age.
Spinel is associated with renewed energy, encouragement in difficult circumstances and rejuvenation. It has a strengthening effect in treatments of the musculoskeletal system and joints. It contributes to the treatment of anaemia. It has a calming effect on the nervous system. Blue spinel activates communication while red spinel stimulates the vitality of the body.
It is in the Oxides in the spinel group. Its crystal structure is cubic and has a glassy luster. It consists mainly of magnesium clay; it also contains chromium, iron and vanadium. Depending on the dosage of these elements, it is found in various colours: blue or sapphire spinel, dark green or chlorospinel, orange or rubicelle, red, brown, black and colourless. Sources of spinel can be found in Afghanistan, Brazil, Burma, Burma, Tanzania, Madagascar, Thailand and the United States. In Greece, spinel is found in the emerald mines of Naxos and Samos.
