Burma spinel is considered one of the most valuable and desirable types of spinel due to its unique characteristics and rarity. Here are some of its key features:
Color: Burma spinel comes in a range of colors, including red, pink, orange, purple, blue, and black. However, the most prized color is a deep, vivid red.
Clarity: Burma spinel is typically eye-clean, which means it does not have visible inclusions to the naked eye. This enhances its overall beauty and value.
Hardness: Burma spinel is a durable gemstone with a hardness rating of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear.
In terms of rarity, Burma spinel is considered one of the most scarce and sought-after types of spinel. It is only found in a few mines in Burma (Myanmar), and the supply is limited.Larger stones are also highly valued, as they are rarer to find.
Spinel gemstones have a long and rich history in Mughal jewelry. The Mughal Empire, which existed in India from the 16th to the mid-19th century, was known for its love of gemstones and intricate jewelry designs.
The Mughal rulers, including Babur, Akbar, and Shah Jahan, were particularly fond of spinel gemstones and incorporated them into many of their royal jewels. Spinel was especially popular during the 17th century, when it was often used to embellish the ornate daggers and swords of Mughal warriors.
One of the most famous spinel gemstones in Mughal jewelry is the "Timur Ruby," which is actually a red spinel. This gemstone was named after Timur, a 14th-century conqueror who was believed to have owned the stone. It was later acquired by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who added it to his collection of royal jewels. The Timur Ruby is now part of the British Crown Jewels and is set in the Imperial State Crown.
In addition to the Timur Ruby, many other spinel gemstones were used in Mughal jewelry, including pink, blue, and purple spinels. These gemstones were often set in gold or silver and adorned with intricate enamel work, pearls, and other precious gemstones.
Spinel is a mineral that has a chemical composition of magnesium aluminum oxide, with the formula MgAl2O4. It belongs to the spinel group of minerals, which includes several other gemstones such as gahnite, hercynite, and magnetite.
Spinel can occur in a range of colors, including red, pink, blue, purple, orange, yellow, green, brown, and black. The color of spinel is determined by the presence of impurities or trace elements in its crystal structure, such as chromium, iron, cobalt, or titanium.
Overall, Burma spinel is considered a high-quality gemstone that is prized by collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Here are some of the most famous Burma Spinels:
The Samarian Spinel: While the origin of this 500-carat spinel is disputed, some sources claim that it was originally mined in Burma. The Samarian Spinel is one of the largest spinels in the world and is named after the biblical region of Samaria. It is currently owned by the Iranian government.
The Black Prince's Ruby: This 170-carat spinel is mounted in the Imperial State Crown of England and was originally believed to be a ruby. It is said to have been mined in the Badakshan region of modern-day Tajikistan, but some sources suggest that it may have originated from Burma.
The Sunrise Ruby: This 25.59-carat Burmese spinel is one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. It is known for its intense, vibrant red color and exceptional clarity. The Sunrise Ruby sold for a record-breaking $30.3 million at auction in 2015.
The Ruby Spinel Tiara: This tiara was made for Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain in the early 20th century and features a number of Burmese spinels. The largest spinel in the tiara weighs over 500 carats and is considered one of the finest examples of Burmese spinel in the world.
The Graff Pink: This 24.78-carat pink spinel was discovered in Burma in the 1920s and is named after its current owner, jeweler Laurence Graff. The Graff Pink is one of the most famous and valuable pink spinels in the world.