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Spinel
Spinel Gem, Price, and Jewelry Information
Although long known best for being misidentified as ruby, the spinel gem is beautiful in its own right. Its colors,...
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Spinel Faceting Information
Helpful information such as successful tips and details on how to Spinel Facet gemstones. Essential information and guides necessary for...
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Spinel Buying Guide
Our spinel buying guide can help you learn how spinels are graded and how to identify a high-quality stone or...
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Identifying Synthetic Spinel
Synthetic spinel is a widely used jewelry stone. Learn how gemologists can identify lab-made flame-fusion, flux, and Czochralski spinels.
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Spinel Treatments and Enhancements
Spinels are rarely treated, but gemologists should know how to detect spinel treatments. Learn about filling, heating, and diffusion.
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How Do Spinels Form?
Available in many colors, spinels are becoming more popular with consumers. Learn how spinels form and how these gemstones get...
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What are Balas Rubies and Ruby Spinels?
For centuries, balas rubies were prized by royalty. Learn what happened after gemologists identified these gems as red spinels instead....
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What are Cobalt Spinels?
Learn how gemologists identify cobalt spinels and what qualities you should look for when buying these beautiful, vivid blue gemstones....
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Four Famous Spinels
Although the world’s most famous spinels are named “rubies,” these gems are distinct species. Learn the stories behind four of...
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Spinel
Spinel has played an important part in gem history. Prior to the last century, it was impossible to distinguish from...
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Choosing a Spinel Engagement Ring Stone
Our spinel engagement ring stone guide can help you learn about this beautiful, colorful, durable, but little-known gemstone.
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Spinel Inclusions
The materials trapped inside gems hold a wealth of information. Learn what the most common types of spinel inclusions reveal...
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Spinel Sources
Learn about important spinel sources across the globe — from historical mines to recent discoveries — and the colors they...
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An Interview with Spinel Collector Seth Rosen
Spinel collector and gem trade expert Seth Rosen discusses the current market and potential future for this beautiful but little-known...
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What is Jedi Spinel?
Jedi spinel makes a beautiful jewelry stone. Learn how it got its name and what qualities make this vivid pinkish...
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Red Gemstones: Ruby, Spinel, Garnet, and Other Great Picks for Jewelry
Red gemstones are popular choices for engagement rings and fine jewelry. The three most popular stones are ruby, garnet, and...
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August Birthstones: Peridot and Spinel
What is the August Birthstone?
Periodot and spinel are the modern birthstones for August. Those born in this month are...
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Before and After: Pictures of Repaired and Recut Gems
Take a look at these before-and-after pics of repaired and recut gems and learn how a great lapidary can improve...
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Gemstone Rarity and Ease of Replacement
Most gemstones are rare, but some are rarer than others. Learn how gemstone rarity and ease of replacement can affect...
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Gemstone Refractometer Mini-Quiz
Test your knowledge of refractometer gem analysis with this mini-quiz. You can review material on any question you miss at...
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Risk Management and Gem Buying for Profit
You can’t eliminate all risks from gem investing, but understanding the risks you’ll face and your appetite for them will...
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An Update on Spinel Sold at the Las Vegas JCK Show in 2024
Spinel has been on quite a dramatic ride! Confused with corundum for centuries, it was only identified as an independent...
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Distinguishing Aquamarine Imitations
How can gemologists quickly distinguish aquamarines from aquamarine imitations? We’ll review some common lookalikes and their most notable differences.
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List of False or Misleading Gemstone Names
A list of False or Misleading Gemstone Names and its Actual Gemological Name. Gathered by the source "Gemstones of the...
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How it Works: Recutting Gems to Maximize Value
Recutting gems that have been poorly cut can increase their value significantly. See how precision custom cutting can transform a...
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Synthetic Gemstone Inclusions
Identifying lab-created gems is a critical skill for gemologists. Learn how to spot the most common synthetic gemstone inclusions.
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Top Five Gemstone Investments for 2025
What are the top gemstone investments for 2024? Learn why these five gems, some well-known and some less so, are...
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Supply and Demand: Gemstone Market Dynamics
The gem market can be very subjective. Nevertheless, investors can make money by starting with the basics: understanding supply and...
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Understanding Gem Synthetics, Treatments, And Imitations, Part 4: Synthetic Gemstone Guide
Many varieties of gems besides diamond can be created in the laboratory. Our synthetic gemstone guide covers many examples and...
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Identifying Inclusions of Specific Gems
Some natural as well as synthetic gems have specific, characteristic inclusions. Learn the identifying inclusions of some of the most...
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How to Polish Gems of 7-8 Hardness: Survey Results
Some very popular jewelry stones, such as beryl, quartz, and topaz, fall in the 7-8 hardness range. You can find...
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How to Build Pocket Crossed Filters for Gemstone Testing
The crossed filters technique allows gemologists to detect chromium in gems. Learn how to build a portable device for conducting...
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Seasonal Favorite: Neutral Colored Precious Stones
December 15, 2023
When people think of gemstones they often think of bright red rubies, blue sapphires, green emeralds and...
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Mixed up Square : Faceting Design Diagram
Successful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this...
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Line Point Triangle: Faceting Design Diagram
Helpful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this...
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Cut Corner Pent: Faceting Design Diagram
Successful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this...
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Point Mounty: Faceting Design Diagram
Successful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this...
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Shadow Box Triangle: Faceting Design Diagram
Helpful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this one...
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Seagull Variation: Faceting Design Diagram
Successful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this one...
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“3LD” Triangle: Faceting Design Diagram
Detailed information and guide for Faceting Design Diagrams. This facet design is called a " "3LD" Triangle". This design is...
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Test Taking Tips and Strategies
Learn these quick and simple test taking tips and strategies to help you on your next gemology test.
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Ruby and Sapphire Origins
Ruby and sapphire origins greatly affect the values of these prized gems. Learn where these stones occur and how inclusions...
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Edge Oval: Faceting Design Diagram
Detailed information and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this...
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Mineralogy of Oxides and Hydroxides
Oxides and hydroxides are mineral classes that include well-known gems as well as significant ores. Learn how to identify these...
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Aztec Sun: Faceting Design Diagram
Detailed information and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this...
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Tri-Angled Triangle: Faceting Design Diagram
Details, tips, and guide on Faceting Designs. Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this one...
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Diamond Oval: Faceting Design Diagram
Detailed information and guide on Faceting Designs. Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this one...
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Universal Oval 2: Faceting Design Diagram
Successful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this...
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