Is pink spinel a fake ruby?

Pink spinel and ruby are two gemstones that are often confused with each other due to their similar appearance. While both are beautiful and valuable, they are not the same mineral and have distinct differences in their chemical composition and physical properties. In this article, we will explore the question: is pink spinel a fake ruby?

First, let’s take a closer look at the two gemstones. Ruby is a red variety of the mineral corundum, which is an aluminum oxide mineral with the chemical formula Al2O3. It is one of the most valuable and highly prized gemstones in the world, often commanding prices higher than diamonds. Rubies can range in color from pinkish-red to deep blood-red, with the most valuable rubies being a pure, intense red color.

Spinel, on the other hand, is a magnesium aluminum oxide mineral with the chemical formula MgAl2O4. It can occur in a range of colors, including pink, red, blue, purple, and black, and is often used as a substitute for other gemstones due to its durability and affordability. While spinel is not as valuable as ruby, it is still a highly prized gemstone in its own right.

So, is pink spinel a fake ruby? The answer is no – pink spinel is not a fake ruby. While they may look similar, they are two distinct minerals with different chemical compositions and physical properties. Pink spinel is not a synthetic or imitation ruby – it is a genuine gemstone in its own right.

However, it’s important to note that throughout history, pink spinel has often been mistaken for ruby. In fact, many famous “rubies” throughout history are actually spinels, including the “Black Prince’s Ruby” in the British Crown Jewels and the “Timur Ruby” in the Smithsonian Museum. This confusion is due to the fact that spinel and ruby can have similar colors, and spinel is often found in the same geological formations as ruby.

So, how can you tell the difference between pink spinel and ruby? One of the easiest ways is to look at their chemical composition. Ruby is made up of aluminum and oxygen, while spinel is made up of magnesium, aluminum, and oxygen. This means that they will have different chemical properties and react differently to certain tests.

Another way to tell the difference is to look at their physical properties. Ruby has a Mohs hardness of 9, which means it is one of the hardest minerals on Earth. Spinel, while still relatively hard, has a Mohs hardness of 8. This means that ruby will be more difficult to scratch than spinel. Additionally, ruby has a higher refractive index than spinel, which means it will have more brilliance and sparkle.

In terms of color, while both ruby and pink spinel can range in color from pinkish-red to deep red, ruby tends to have a more intense, saturated color than spinel. Ruby also tends to have a slightly purplish-red hue, while pink spinel can have a more pink or orange tint to it.

In conclusion, pink spinel is not a fake ruby – it is a genuine gemstone in its own right. While they may look similar, they have distinct differences in their chemical composition and physical properties that set them apart. While it’s easy to mistake one for the other, with a little knowledge and a trained eye, you can easily tell the difference between the two.