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)
cubicuncommonOxides
Spinel
MgAl2O4
The image displays a beautiful, well-formed rose-red spinel crystal, approximately 1.6 cm in size, set against a contrasting matrix. Its sharp, octahedral form is clearly visible.
Spinel Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
8Crystal System
cubicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
indistinct/noneFracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
3.6Colors
red, pink, orange, blue, violet, black, green, brownTransparency
transparentType Locality
Luc Yen, Yenbai Province, VietnamMineral Group
OxidesUses
jewelry, collectorAssociated Minerals
calcite, dolomite, phlogopite, chondrodite, corundumRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Spinel typically forms in metamorphic rocks, particularly marbles and gneisses, often as a result of contact or regional metamorphism of impure limestones or dolomites. It can also occur in some igneous rocks and as detrital grains in placers.
