Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
cubicrareOxides
Spinel
MgAl2O4
This is a large, complete, and well-formed spinel crystal, exhibiting an unusual hot pink-red color and good symmetry. It measures 4.8 x 4.3 x 3.4 cm and weighs 89 grams.
Spinel Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
7.5Crystal System
cubicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
imperfect octahedral, often indistinct or absentFracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
3.6Colors
hot pink-red, pink, red, purple, blue, black, green, brown, colorlessTransparency
transparentType Locality
Mahenge, Morogoro Region, TanzaniaMineral Group
OxidesUses
gemstone, jewelry, collector's itemAssociated Minerals
calcite, phlogopite, chondrodite, corundum, forsteriteRarity
rareGeological Context
Spinel typically forms in metamorphic rocks, particularly marbles and gneisses, and in some mafic igneous rocks. Gem-quality specimens are often found in contact metamorphic limestones.
