Burmese Spinel
Mogok spinel - historic confusion with ruby, exceptional red and pink colours, and growing collector interest.
burma myanmar mogok spinel red-spinel
Introduction
Burmese spinel from Mogok represents some of the finest spinel available.
For centuries, red spinels were confused with rubies - many famous
"rubies" in crown jewels are actually spinels. Today, fine Burmese
spinel commands premium prices and strong collector interest.
Historic Significance
Spinel's remarkable history:
The Ruby Confusion
Modern Recognition
- Distinguished from ruby only in 18th century
- Now valued in its own right
- Premium source: Mogok, Burma
- Competing source: Mahenge, Tanzania
Mogok Spinel Characteristics
What makes Mogok spinel exceptional:
Colour Range
- Red: Deep, saturated ruby-like red
- Hot pink: Vivid, neon pink
- Pink: Range of pink intensities
- Other: Blue, violet, orange varieties exist
Quality Factors
- Clarity: Often very clean
- Fluorescence: Strong red adds to colour
- No treatment: Natural colour throughout
- Single refraction: Good brilliance
Red Spinel
The most valued variety:
Characteristics
- Fine red colour rivaling ruby
- Natural, unheated colour
- Clean material available
- Strong collector appeal
Market Position
- Prices approaching fine ruby
- Premium for vivid, saturated red
- Burmese origin adds value
- Limited supply maintains prices
Pink Spinel
Vibrant hot pink colours:
- Character: Electric, neon pink hues
- Fluorescence: Strong red fluorescence
- Competition: Mahenge (Tanzania) produces similar
- Value: High for vivid, saturated pinks
- "Jedi spinel": Trade term for finest pinks
Burmese vs Tanzanian Spinel
Burmese (Mogok)
- Historic prestige
- Wide colour range
- Established reputation
- Ethical concerns for some
- Premium pricing
Tanzanian (Mahenge)
- Modern discovery (2007)
- Exceptional neon pinks
- Growing reputation
- Better ethical profile
- Competitive prices