Markets/Spinel

Spinel

Myanmar, Tanzania · 125 specimens · 7.3ct avg

$810
per carat+0.1%
P10
$95
P25
$275
Median
$810
P75
$2.8K
P90
$4.1K
Spinel
Spinel
Spinel
Spinel
Spinel
Spinel

Spinel is known for its vibrant colors, ranging from deep reds to vivid blues and pinks. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, it is durable and suitable for various types of jewelry, often found in cushion or oval cuts.

Price History

$0.3K
2020
$0.4K
2021
$0.4K
2022
$0.4K
2023
$0.5K
2024
$0.5K
2025
2020"The new Ruby/Sapphire alternative"; steep demand curve.
2021Feb 1 Coup: Military seizes mines; prices jump.
2022Cobalt Blue prices jump 100% (Feb-Aug); Chinese demand surge.
2023Mahenge production steady; price appreciation slows to 19%.
2024A significant Spinel exhibition is planned for 2024, showcasing rare specimens from around the world.
2025In 2025, a major gemstone conference will feature Spinel as a focus topic, reflecting its rising status in the gemstone market.

Quality Tiers

Commercial
32 listings · $29$137 range
$70
Mid-Market
62 listings · $429$1.4K range
$809
Premium
19 listings · $3.4K$4.2K range
$4.0K
Elite
7 listings · $8.7K$12.1K range
$9.0K

Listings

HEMMERLE SPINEL RING
10.69ctTanzaniachristies.com
$20.0K/ct
$213,570
3.07 Carat Collector Quality Red Spinel
3.07ctgoogle-shopping:africagems
$17.8K/ct
$54,722
$15.3K/ct
$64,000
IMPRESSIVE SPINEL PENDANT
54.03ctchristies.com
$10.5K/ct
$569,520
~2ct Red Spinel
2.00ctkashmirblue.com
$9.0K/ct
$18,000
$8.2K/ct
$81,900
~2ct Vivid Pink Burma Spinel
2.00ctMyanmarkashmirblue.com
$7.3K/ct
$14,500

Specimen Data

Shapes
Cushion
43
Oval
34
Round
26
Pear
12
Heart
5
Origins
Africa
20
Tanzania
19
Sri Lanka
12
Myanmar
12
China
5
Clarity
VS - Slight Inclusions (maybe visible)
16
SI-1 - Slight Visible Inclusions
4
Eye Clean
1
SI
1
Treatments
None
26
Not Determined
20
Untreated
4
Lab Created
1
No Indication of Treatment
1

Value Drivers

Carat

Larger Spinel stones command higher prices, as evidenced by the price distribution where the mean price per carat is significantly influenced by larger, high-quality specimens. The price range from $261 to $8,661 per carat illustrates the premium placed on size.

Color

Color is a critical factor in Spinel pricing, with vivid red and blue stones typically fetching the highest prices. For instance, the most sought-after colors can see prices soar well above the median.

Clarity

Clarity plays a role in Spinel pricing, with cleaner stones valued more highly. While some inclusions are tolerated, the best specimens are eye-clean, significantly enhancing their market value.

Cut

The quality of the cut affects the stone's brilliance and overall appearance, with well-cut Spinels attracting higher prices. Shapes that maximize color and clarity are particularly desirable.

Market Dynamics

Supply

The current supply of Spinel is diverse, with notable origins including Africa, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka. This variety in source regions contributes to a broad range of colors and qualities available in the market.

Spinel is relatively abundant compared to other gemstones, but high-quality specimens remain limited.The market currently features a mix of untreated and treated stones, with a significant number of listings reflecting a healthy circulation of Spinel. in circulation
Demand

Demand for Spinel is driven by collectors and designers who appreciate its unique colors and durability. Additionally, the growing interest in alternative gemstones for investment purposes has further fueled its popularity.

The Spinel market is experiencing increased interest as collectors seek unique and untreated stones. Recent news regarding supply disruptions in related markets, such as jade, may also shift attention towards Spinel as a desirable alternative.

News

Insights

The median price per carat for Spinel is $2,937, indicating a robust market for quality stones.

Top origins for Spinel include Africa and Tanzania, which are known for producing some of the most vibrant colors.

The price spread from $261 to $8,661 per carat highlights the significant variation based on quality and characteristics.

Untreated Spinel stones are particularly sought after, often commanding a premium over treated varieties.

Star spinels showing asterism are rare and valued for sharp, centered stars with attractive bodycolor.

Synthetic spinel has been used historically as a gemstone simulant, especially for blue stones; gemological testing is important in older jewelry.

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