Burmese Spinel

Mogok spinel - historic confusion with ruby, exceptional red and pink colours, and growing collector interest.

By Fabian Moor Last updated
burma myanmar mogok spinel red-spinel

Introduction

Burmese spinel from Mogok co-occurs with ruby in the same marble-hosted alluvial
placers and was systematically confused with ruby for centuries until the two species
were distinguished in the eighteenth century. [1] The 170-carat
Black Prince's "Ruby" in the British Imperial State Crown and the 352-carat Timur
"Ruby" in the Royal Collection are both Mogok red spinels. [2]

Diagnostic significance now works in spinel's favour. Unlike ruby, spinel is isometric
(singly refractive) and virtually never treated; natural colour can be assumed and
there is nothing to disclose. Fine Mogok red spinel carries strong red chromium
fluorescence (the same optical character that gives Mogok ruby its pigeon-blood glow),
and vivid specimens approach ruby-grade appearance without treatment complications.

Collector recognition has grown substantially since the early 2000s. Mogok reds
of 3 carats or more with vivid, clean colour have crossed US$50,000 per carat at
auction. The Mahenge field in Tanzania provides competitive neon pinks, but Mogok
retains a historical prestige premium for exceptional saturated reds. [1]

Historic Significance

Spinel's remarkable history:

The Ruby Confusion

  • "Balas ruby" - historic term for red spinel
  • Many crown jewels contain spinel mistaken for ruby
  • Black Prince's "Ruby" - actually 170ct red spinel [2]
  • Timur "Ruby" - 352ct spinel in British Crown Jewels

Modern Recognition

  • Distinguished from ruby only in 18th century [1]
  • Now valued in its own right
  • Premium source: Mogok, Burma
  • Competing source: Mahenge, Tanzania

Mogok Spinel Characteristics

What makes Mogok spinel exceptional:

Colour Range

  • Red: Deep, saturated ruby-like red
  • Hot pink: Vivid, neon pink
  • Pink: Range of pink intensities
  • Other: Blue, violet, orange varieties exist

Quality Factors

  • Clarity: Often very clean
  • Fluorescence: Strong red adds to colour
  • No treatment: Natural colour throughout
  • Single refraction: Good brilliance

Red Spinel

The most valued variety:

Characteristics

  • Fine red colour rivaling ruby
  • Natural, unheated colour
  • Clean material available
  • Strong collector appeal

Market Position

  • Prices approaching fine ruby
  • Premium for vivid, saturated red
  • Burmese origin adds value
  • Limited supply maintains prices

Pink Spinel

Vibrant hot pink colours:

  • Character: Electric, neon pink hues
  • Fluorescence: Strong red fluorescence
  • Competition: Mahenge (Tanzania) produces similar
  • Value: High for vivid, saturated pinks
  • "Jedi spinel": Trade term for finest pinks

Burmese vs Tanzanian Spinel

Burmese (Mogok)

  • Historic prestige
  • Wide colour range
  • Established reputation
  • Ethical concerns for some
  • Premium pricing

Tanzanian (Mahenge)

  • Modern discovery (2007)
  • Exceptional neon pinks
  • Growing reputation
  • Better ethical profile
  • Competitive prices

Treatment Status

A key advantage of spinel:

  • No treatment standard: Spinel is virtually never treated [1]
  • Natural colour: Colour is always assumed natural
  • Advantage over ruby: No heating concerns
  • Collector appeal: Completely natural gems
  • Disclosure: No treatment to disclose

References

  1. ↑ 1. Read, P. (2014). Gemmology (3rd ed.). Butterworth-Heinemann. DOI: 10.4324/9780080507224.
  2. ↑ 2. Schumann, W. (2009). Gemstones of the World (4th ed.). Sterling Publishing. ISBN: 978-1-4027-6829-3.

Related Topics

Burmese Gems - OverviewMahenge SpinelSpinel