Spinel: History, Origin, Composition, Virtues, Meaning and Recharging of the stone

Spinel is a member of the oxide family. Spinel is a mineral that comes in many colors. It is often confused with other fine gemstones such as ruby, sapphire and tourmaline. Spinel has been appreciated for its beauty and hardness since ancient times. Today, its beauty is undiminished, and it is even more highly prized for its beneficial lithotherapy properties. Contrary to popular belief, the word "Spinel" is masculine, not feminine.

History of Spinel stone

The name Spinel comes from the Latin "spina", meaning "thorn", due to its sharp, spiny crystalline form.

Spinel has been known since antiquity, and was first discovered in Afghanistan. At that time, this stone was reserved for royalty, especially kings, and was offered to other kings from other countries as a symbol of success and wealth.

The Romans often confused Spinel with other stones, notably ruby and black tourmaline. They used the stone to protect themselves from injury.

During his travels, Marco Polo described Spinel mines and praised this magnificent stone.

In the 19th century, Spinel was mainly used for ornamental purposes in the world of jewelry. It also has magnetic properties and was often used as a compass by sailors to avoid getting lost.

Many crowns have been adorned with Spinel, by mistake and by being confused with other stones. There have been several British, Mongolian, Afghan and even French crowns.

Origin and composition of Spinel stone

Spinel belongs to the Oxides family. It is mainly composed of aluminum and magnesium oxides, with the chemical formula MgAl2O4. The density of Spinel stone is around 3.5 to 4.1.

Spinel is formed from magmatic, metamorphic and volcanic rocks. The stone is formed by crystallization from magnesium- and aluminum-rich magmas at high pressure and temperature.

Spinel comes in many different colors, including red, black, blue, pink, violet, green, brown, yellow and transparent. In fact, the color of Spinel depends on its chemical composition and impurities, notably its chromium and iron content.

• Red Spinel: The best-known and most sought-after variety, often confused with ruby. Its color is due to its iron and chromium impurities.

• Blue Spinel: A fairly rare variety, ranging from light to dark blue. Its color is due to traces of iron and sometimes zinc.

• Pink Spinel: One of the most common varieties. Its color is due to manganese impurities.

• Violet Spinel: A rare variety, its color is due to iron and chromium inclusions.

• Black Spinel: One of the most common varieties. Its color is due to the presence of iron and sometimes titanium.

• Green Spinel: One of the rarest varieties, its color is due to the inclusion of vanadium.

• Brown Spinel: The least well-known variety, its color is due to the presence of iron.

• Yellow Spinel: The rarest variety of Spinel. Its color is due to traces of iron and chromium.

• Colorless Spinel: The purest and rarest variety, containing no impurities.

Origin of Spinel stone

The main deposits of Spinel are found in Burma, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil and Thailand. However, each country produces a different variety:

• Burma: producer of red Spinel. A few specimens of colorless Spinel have been spotted, despite its rarity.

• Vietnam: Producer of blue Spinel. Some varieties of yellow Spinel have been found, although this variety remains extremely rare.

• Sri Lanka: Producer of blue, pink and purple Spinel. Species of yellow, green and colorless Spinel have been discovered, although they remain extremely rare.

• Tanzania: Producer of black Spinel.

• Tajikistan: Producer of red Spinel.

• Afghanistan: Producer of pink and red Spinel.

• Madagascar : Producer of different varieties of Spinel, including green, which is very rare.

Spinel has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale.

Virtues and meaning of Spinel in lithotherapy

In lithotherapy Spinel is a stone of protection and comfort.

The natural stone Spinel in lithotherapy

On a physical level Spinel provides a range of metabolic benefits, protecting the body from bacteria and viruses, relieving joint pain and warding off negative energies such as sadness, anxiety and stress. In lithotherapy, the natural stone Spinel reduces nervousness, improves blood circulation and helps regulate breathing and heart rate. In addition, Spinel acts as a shield against electromagnetic waves and strengthens cells.

On the psychic level Spinel helps to free oneself from emotional blockages, leaving room for positive emotions and greater well-being. Spinel encourages an open heart, self-expression, confidence and introspection. In lithotherapy, this natural stone also promotes reconciliation, calm and benevolence.

Each variety of Spinel brings different virtues to lithotherapy:

• Black Spinel: Promotes calm and serenity, and fights disease and infection. Black Spinel is also beneficial for warding off negative emotions and bringing courage.

• Red Spinel: Relieves disturbing emotions such as stress and nervousness. This natural stone improves breathing and blood circulation. Finally, Red Spinel strengthens courage to overcome life's challenges and reduces aggressive emotions such as anger.

• Pink Spinel: Revitalizes the body while improving energy and stimulating the immune system. Pink Spinel also promotes love, compassion, serenity and benevolence.

• Violet Spinel: Increases body energy and reduces fatigue. Violet Spinel helps spiritual strengthening, intuition and creativity.

• Green Spinel: Helps regenerate and renew the body's cells. Finally, Green Spinel promotes connection with nature and natural growth.

• Yellow Spinel: Stimulates metabolism and energy. Yellow Spinel boosts self-confidence, helps stimulate cognitive abilities and promotes optimism.

• Colorless Spinel: Promotes the body's overall energy balance. Finally, colorless Spinel is highly appreciated for its spiritual virtues, capable of enhancing mental clarity, promoting inner peace and bringing harmony.

Please note that lithotherapy is not a substitute for medical treatment or expertise.

Significance of Spinel stone

Spinel is a symbol of courage, power and speed.

Spinel stone is often associated with the root chakra, which promotes calm, confidence and a sense of security. In addition, this chakra improves blood circulation and brings greater stability. Some believe that Spinel is also linked to the heart chakra for its caring aspect. It also promotes empathy, love and open-mindedness.

Depending on Spinel the virtues and chakras can be different:

• Red and black Spinel are associated with the root chakra.

• Yellow Spinel is linked to the solar plexus chakra, which stimulates the digestive system and strengthens determination and vitality.

• Pink and green Spinel are linked to the heart chakra.

• Blue Spinel is associated with the throat chakra, favoring self-expression, listening and honesty.

• Violet and colorless Spinel are associated with the crown chakra, which encourages spirituality, wisdom and connection with the beyond.

Spinel is sensitive to the astrological signs of Libra, Scorpio, Taurus and Sagittarius. It is also the birthstone of August, along with Peridot and Sardonyx.

Spinel stone care, purification and recharging

To care for your Spinel stones we suggest a few methods:

Cleaning and purifying

It's important to clean and purify your Spinel so that it retains its natural brilliance:

• Rinse the stone in clear, preferably lukewarm water for a short time before using a soft cloth to gently dry the stone,

• Purify the stone by fumigation, placing Spinel in the smoke of purifying herbs for a few minutes.

Recharging

Don't forget to recharge your Spinel stone to take full advantage of its powers:

• Recharge the natural stone with sunlight for a few hours,

• Bury Spinel in the ground for a full day to recharge it, then rinse it to remove any remaining dirt,

• Place a cluster of quartz next to it to recharge it.