1st - Gold 
January 
February 
March 
April 
May 
June 
July 
August 
September 
October 
November 
December 
Capricorn - Garnet 
Aquarius - Amethyst 
Pisces - Aquamarine 
Aries - Diamond 
Taurus - Emerald 
Gemini - Pearl 
Cancer - Ruby 
Leo - Peridot 
Virgo - Blue Sapphire 
Libra - Opal 
Scorpio - Topaz 
Sagittarius - Tanzanite 
Ruby vs Spinel
Which Red Gemstone Should You Buy?
When choosing a red gemstone, Ruby and Spinel are two of the most sought-after options. Both feature vibrant red hues, but they differ in composition, hardness, value, and care requirements.
This complete Ruby vs Spinel comparison guide will help you understand the technical differences, value, and best uses, so you can make an informed purchase for jewellery or investment.
Ruby vs Spinel: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Ruby | Spinel |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Corundum | Spinel |
| Hardness | 9 – Extremely durable | 8 – Very durable |
| Value | Very high; investment-grade | Moderate to high; affordable luxury |
| Best For | Engagement rings, heirloom jewellery, investment | Statement rings, fashion jewellery, daily wear |
| Professional Guides | Ruby Buyer’s Guide | Spinel Buyer’s Guide |
Ruby Features, Colour & Investment Value Explained
Ruby is considered one of the most prestigious gemstones. With Mohs hardness of 9, it is extremely durable, making it perfect for jewellery worn daily. The most prized rubies display a deep “pigeon blood” red, and colour intensity directly impacts value.
Origins & History:
Rubies are found in Myanmar, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Thailand. Historically, rubies symbolised wealth, protection, and passion. Fine-quality rubies, especially untreated stones, are considered investment-grade gemstones.
Price Guide (per carat):
R35,000 – R500,000+ for high-quality rubies in South Africa.
Spinel Features, Colour & Durability Explained
Spinel is a highly durable gemstone with Mohs hardness 8. Bright red and pinkish-red spinels are prized for their vivid colour and brilliance. Spinel is often confused with ruby, but it is more affordable and widely available.
Origins & History:
Spinels are found in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, and Madagascar. They have adorned crowns and jewellery for centuries; the famous “Black Prince’s Ruby” is actually a red spinel.
Price Guide (per carat):
R5,000 – R70,000 depending on quality and size.
Ruby vs Spinel: Detailed Technical Comparison
| Feature | Ruby | Spinel |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) with chromium | Magnesium aluminium oxide (MgAl2O4) |
| Colour | Deep red, “pigeon blood” red, bright red | Bright red, pink-red, orangey-red, violet-red |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 – Extremely durable | 8 – Very durable, suitable for daily wear |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 – 1.770 | 1.718 – 1.736 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.97 – 4.05 | 3.58 – 3.61 |
| Clarity & Inclusions | Silk rutile needles common; eye-clean rare | Generally eye-clean; minor inclusions acceptable |
| Origin | Myanmar, Mozambique, Madagascar, Thailand | Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, Madagascar |
| Treatment | Heat treatment common | Mostly untreated; occasional heat treatment |
| Best Use | Investment rings, heirloom jewellery | Statement rings, daily wear, fashion jewellery |
Ruby vs Spinel: Colour, Hardness & Care Tips
Colour Comparison:
- Ruby: Rich, deep red; colour drives value.
- Spinel: Vivid red with pink or orange undertones; historically prized for crowns and jewellery.
Hardness & Durability:
- Ruby: Mohs 9 – suitable for everyday rings and bracelets.
- Spinel: Mohs 8 – very durable, ideal for daily wear; slightly softer than ruby.
Care Tips:
- Ruby: Avoid harsh chemicals, clean gently, store separately to prevent scratches.
- Spinel: Hard enough for daily wear; avoid hard knocks, clean with mild soap and water.
Ruby vs Spinel: How to Tell Them Apart
💡 Tip: Check hardness, brilliance, and inclusions. Rubies show silk rutile needles; spinels are generally eye-clean. High-value stones should always be professionally verified.
Ruby Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 9 – extremely durable
- Colour: Deep red, “pigeon blood”
- Refractive Index: 1.762 – 1.770
- Inclusions: Silk common
- Care: Suitable for daily wear; avoid harsh chemicals
Spinel Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 8 – very durable
- Colour: Bright red to pink-red
- Refractive Index: 1.718 – 1.736
- Inclusions: Minimal; usually eye-clean
- Care: Very durable; avoid knocks
Buying Tips
- Always request a certified gem report for rubies.
- For spinels, check colour, size, and origin.
- Ensure treatments are disclosed.
- Secure settings recommended for rubies; spinels can also benefit from protective settings.
- Browse our Ruby Collection and Spinel Collection.
Which Red Gemstone Should You Choose?
Both are versatile, beautiful, and perfect for jewellery. Understanding their differences ensures a wise purchase.
Ruby: For investment, rarity, prestige, and ultimate durability.
Spinel: For stunning, durable red gemstones at a more accessible price.
Natural Pink Spinel 0.51 ct Loose Gemstone | iGemz21443
SKU:
iGemz21443
Original price was: R2,720.00.R1,360.00Current price is: R1,360.00.
Ruby vs Spinel FAQ’s
Can spinel be mistaken for ruby?
Yes, especially red spinel; professional verification is recommended.
Are rubies always more expensive than spinels?
Generally yes; fine-quality rubies are rarer and higher in value.
Can spinels be worn daily?
Absolutely; Mohs 8 hardness makes them very durable.
Do rubies need special care?
Yes, avoid harsh chemicals and impact; they are durable but valuable.
Are spinels treated?
Most are untreated; occasionally heat-treated spinels exist.
Which gemstone is better for investment?
Ruby, especially untreated stones from Myanmar or Mozambique.
COMPARE GEMSTONES WITH CONFIDENCE
Gemstone Comparison Guides
Choosing between two beautiful gemstones can be challenging. Our professional Gemstone Comparison Guides help you clearly understand the differences between popular gemstones so you can make a confident and informed choice.
Each comparison explores the key factors that influence gemstone quality and value, including colour, clarity, durability, rarity and typical treatments. You will also learn how similar-looking gemstones differ in appearance, composition, hardness and more.
HERE IS ALL THE PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION YOU NEED
Gemstone Buyer's Guides
Buying a gemstone should be exciting — but understanding quality, rarity and value is essential before making the right choice. Our professional Gemstone Buyer’s Guides help you understand how colour, clarity, cut and treatments influence the beauty and value of different gemstones.
Each guide explains the key quality factors used by gemologists, including gemstone composition, colour grading, natural inclusions, treatments and origin. You will also learn how these factors affect rarity, durability and market value.
Beryl Family
Feldspar Gemstones
Pyroxene Gemstones
Spodumene Family
Chalcedony & Agate
Quartz Gemstones
Amethyst
Ametrine
Citrine
Prasiolite
Quartz
Rose Quartz
Rutile Quartz
Smoky Quartz
Rare & Collector Gemstones
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Chrysoberyl
Clinozoisite
Fluorite
Grandidierite
Iolite
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Lapis Lazuli
Phosphosiderite
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Sillimanite
Sphene
Sugilite
Vesuvianite