New August Birthstone: Introducing Spinel

Spinel Joins Peridot with a Spectrum of Colors for August

August has always been associated with the birthstone Peridot. Recently, Spinel has been added as a new option for those born in this month. Let's take a straightforward look at what Spinel brings to the table as an August birthstone.

Why Spinel Became an August Birthstone?

Spinel is known for its stunning array of colors. You can find Spinel in shades of red, pink, blue, purple, orange, and even black. This variety makes it an exciting choice for anyone looking for something unique. Historically, Spinel has an interesting background. It was often mistaken for rubies and sapphires due to its similar appearance. In fact, some famous "rubies" in royal crowns, like the Black Prince's Ruby in the British Crown Jewels, are actually Spinels. This gemstone has been cherished by royalty for centuries, adding a touch of historical value to its modern appeal.

Spinel’s optical properties are impressive. It has a high refractive index, which gives it a brilliant sparkle. Additionally, Spinel is singly refractive, meaning it has the same optical properties in all directions, unlike many other gemstones that are doubly refractive. This contributes to its clarity and vivid color.

Spinel is formed through metamorphic processes in limestone and dolomite. It can also form in alluvial deposits. Major sources of Spinel include Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Tanzania. In these locations, Spinel crystals form in octahedral shapes, often alongside other precious gems like rubies and sapphires.

Besides its beauty, Spinel is quite durable. It scores an 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning it's tough enough for everyday wear. Whether it's in rings, necklaces, or bracelets, Spinel can handle the rigors of daily life without losing its sparkle. This durability, combined with its vibrant colors, makes Spinel a great choice for all types of jewelry.

All About Spinel, the New August Birthstone

Spinel is known for its stunning array of colors. You can find Spinel in shades of red, pink, blue, purple, orange, and even black. This variety makes it an exciting choice for anyone looking for something unique. Historically, Spinel has an interesting background. It was often mistaken for rubies and sapphires due to its similar appearance. In fact, some famous "rubies" in royal crowns, like the Black Prince's Ruby in the British Crown Jewels, are actually Spinels. This gemstone has been cherished by royalty for centuries, adding a touch of historical value to its modern appeal.

Spinel’s optical properties are impressive. It has a high refractive index, which gives it a brilliant sparkle. Additionally, Spinel is singly refractive, meaning it has the same optical properties in all directions, unlike many other gemstones that are doubly refractive. This contributes to its clarity and vivid color.

Spinel is formed through metamorphic processes in limestone and dolomite. It can also form in alluvial deposits. Major sources of Spinel include Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Tanzania. In these locations, Spinel crystals form in octahedral shapes, often alongside other precious gems like rubies and sapphires.

Besides its beauty, Spinel is quite durable. It scores an 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning it's tough enough for everyday wear. Whether it's in rings, necklaces, or bracelets, Spinel can handle the rigors of daily life without losing its sparkle. This durability, combined with its vibrant colors, makes Spinel a great choice for all types of jewelry.

Spinel in Contemporary Jewelry Design

Spinel is a dream for modern jewelry designers who love to push boundaries. Its durability and ability to withstand high temperatures make it perfect for casting with metals, opening up tons of creative possibilities. German Kabirski is one designer who thrives on this. He’s all about breaking the rules and doing things his own way. German Kabirski uses raw, unpolished Spinel crystals in every color you can imagine to create designs that are fresh, unconventional, and truly unique. His pieces aren’t just stunning to look at; they’re a statement. They celebrate natural beauty in its most raw and imperfect form, capturing the essence of what it means to be truly yourself.

Spinel’s toughness means it can handle the heat, literally, which allows Kabirski to experiment with bold, out-of-the-box designs. Whether it’s chunky rings or edgy necklaces, Spinel stands up to the challenge, making his pieces not just art, but wearable, durable art.

Wearing Spinel isn’t for those who follow others. It’s for the trailblazers, the ones who aren’t afraid to stand out and make their own path. Kabirski’s Spinel jewelry speaks to this spirit of individuality and courage. It empowers you to listen to your inner voice and be unapologetically authentic.

If you’re the type who loves to be different and isn’t afraid to show it, Spinel is your gemstone. German Kabirski’s designs are the perfect way to wear it. His creations aren't just about looking good; they’re about expressing who you are and celebrating the courage to forge your own path. Spinel jewelry by German Kabirski is a bold statement of individuality, strength, and authenticity.

Faceted Black Spinel: Contrasting Gem Pairing with Everything

Spinel isn't just the star of the show in German Kabirski's designs; it's also a brilliant supporting actor. Kabirski often uses faceted Black Spinel to add a striking contrast to his creations. The deep black color of Spinel provides a dramatic backdrop that makes other gemstones pop, showcasing their vibrant colors and enhancing their overall impact.

Unlike traditional designs that use shiny diamonds for sparkle, Kabirski paves his pieces with round-cut Black Spinel. This choice adds a unique, edgy touch to his jewelry, setting it apart from more conventional styles. The black Spinel enhances the brilliance and color play of the central gemstones, creating a stunning visual effect that is both bold and sophisticated.

The versatility of Black Spinel allows it to blend seamlessly with various gemstones and metals. Whether it's paired with bright sapphires, fiery rubies, or lush emeralds, Black Spinel provides a contrast that highlights the beauty of these stones. Its neutral, yet striking appearance complements any color, making it a favorite for designers who aim to create pieces that are both eye-catching and unique.

German Kabirski's use of Black Spinel demonstrates how this gem can elevate jewelry design. By choosing Black Spinel over more traditional diamonds, Kabirski showcases his commitment to innovation and his desire to create jewelry that speaks to the wearer’s individuality. Each piece becomes a statement of personal style, boldness, and a celebration of natural beauty.

Colors of Spinel and Their Meanings

Spinel comes in a variety of colors, each carrying its own unique set of beliefs and properties. Here’s a closer look at what each color of Spinel is thought to offer:

Red Spinel

Red Spinel is often mistaken for ruby due to its vibrant, deep red color. It is believed to symbolize passion, vitality, and energy. Historically, red Spinel was thought to protect the wearer from harm and enhance their life force. It’s associated with boosting physical strength and endurance, making it an excellent choice for those needing a bit more drive and determination in their lives.

Pink Spinel

Pink Spinel is linked to love, compassion, and creativity. It’s believed to bring about emotional healing and help foster feelings of kindness and understanding. This color of Spinel is perfect for those looking to enhance their relationships or tap into their creative side. It’s said to promote harmony and balance, making it a soothing presence in your life.

Blue Spinel

Blue Spinel ranges from light to deep blue and is associated with calmness, communication, and mental clarity. It’s believed to enhance one’s ability to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly, making it a great stone for those in need of improved communication skills. Blue Spinel is also thought to bring peace of mind and reduce stress, helping the wearer maintain a sense of tranquility.

Purple Spinel

Purple Spinel is linked to spiritual growth and transformation. It’s thought to aid in connecting with higher realms and enhancing one’s intuition. This color is often associated with wisdom and enlightenment, making it a great choice for those on a spiritual journey. Purple Spinel is believed to help clear the mind and open up pathways to new insights and understanding.

Orange Spinel

Orange Spinel is relatively rare and is believed to symbolize enthusiasm, creativity, and joy. It’s thought to bring a burst of positive energy and inspire new ideas and projects. This color of Spinel is perfect for those looking to ignite their passion and drive in both personal and professional endeavors. It’s said to promote optimism and a zest for life.

Black Spinel

Black Spinel is associated with resilience, protection, and grounding. It’s believed to absorb negative energy and transform it into positive energy, providing a protective barrier for the wearer. This color of Spinel is perfect for those needing a strong, stabilizing presence in their lives. It’s also thought to enhance inner strength and encourage perseverance through challenging times.
Each color of Spinel brings its own unique energy and benefits, making it a versatile and powerful gemstone for a variety of needs and intentions. Whether you’re seeking passion, peace, creativity, or protection, there’s a Spinel color that’s right for you.

Natural Gemstone Choice for People Born in August

If you’re born in August, you’ve got a new reason to appreciate your birth month. Besides the classic Peridot, you now have Spinel as an official birthstone. Here’s why this addition is worth noting.

Peridot, known for its bright green color, has always been the traditional choice for August. It's believed to bring good fortune, health, and peace. Historically, Peridot has been thought to offer protection against nightmares and evil spirits, making it a cherished gem for many.

Spinel is also known for its revitalizing energy. It's said to promote physical and emotional healing, reduce fatigue, and bring a sense of renewal and joy. This makes it a perfect choice if you’re looking for a stone that not only looks good but also helps you feel good.

With both Peridot and Spinel on your side, you’ve got a birthstone duo that covers all bases. Whether you prefer the traditional charm of Peridot or the vibrant versatility of Spinel, you can enjoy the unique benefits and beauty each stone offers.