Spinel

Wholesale spinel — buying guide for the trade

Long misidentified as ruby in historic crown jewels. Now recognised as a serious gem in its own right, especially Burmese reds, Mahenge pinks and cobalt blues.

Key properties

Mineral

Spinel (MgAl₂O₄)

Hardness

8 (Mohs)

Key origins

Myanmar (Mogok), Tanzania (Mahenge), Vietnam, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka

Typical treatments

None standard — heat is uncommon and disclosed

What to look for when buying wholesale

• Untreated by default — a major advantage when selling to disclosure-conscious buyers.
• Mahenge hot-pink and Burmese red are the headline collectors' colours.
• Cobalt-blue spinel is one of the most expensive blue stones in the trade per carat.

Certification guidance

GIA, SSEF, Gübelin — for any cobalt-blue stone or Mahenge claim, a lab report is essential.

Treatment disclosure

Almost always untreated. Heat treatment exists but is uncommon and must be disclosed.

Typical wholesale price tiers

Prices are indicative wholesale-to-trade ranges. Actual offers depend on origin, certification and supply at the time of enquiry.