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Last updated:  Nov 2006

Black Spinel - the superior choice

Black Spinel or “Pleonast” is not widely known but has been mined and used in Thailand for centuries where it is called “Nin” - often, it is misleadingly referred to as “Black Emerald” or “Black Sapphire”. However, there is no need to pretend it is something else as there is nothing more elegant than the striking contrast of this jet black gemstone set in a quality piece of silver or gold jewellery. Black Spinel can stand on its own as a unique and beautiful gemstone.   

Aussie Sapphire are proud to make this special gemstone available to our customers (visit our online shop). The black coloured, opaque variety of spinel is only found in a few locations around the world. Miners on the Reddestone Creek have traditionally called this stone “blackjack” - if they find blackjack as they dig, it is a good indicator that sapphire will also be found.  We now take the best of the blackjack produced from our sapphire mine so that our customers can purchase this exciting new product as either rough stone or faceted gems.

Black Gemstone Alternatives:

Black Spinel - The superior choice.  With a hardness of 8.0, only black diamond is harder but is far more expensive and not easily available. Ideal for everyday wear in jewellery, this gemstone is combines durability with beauty. Black spinel is not treated in any way - simple cutting and polishing is enough to bring out its natural beauty.

Black Diamond - these have become extremely popular in recent years but buyers should be aware that almost all black diamond sold has been treated with radiation to produce the dark colour (actually a very dark green).  Fully natural black diamonds do exist but the opaque black colour is caused by numerous inclusions (graphite, magnetite, hematite) in the stone - these inclusions can weaken the diamond making it fracture easily.  These natural black diamonds are very difficult to cut and polish, are extremely expensive, and are usually only seen in very small sizes. Please see this page for more information about black diamond treatments,

Black Onyx - more widely known but inferior for use in jewellery.  With a hardness of only 6.5-7.0, onyx is very susceptible to damage.  Buyers must assume that all commercially available black onyx has been heated and dyed to achieve the black colour as naturally occurring onyx ranges from white to brown, often with striping.

Black Tourmaline - With a hardness of 7.0-7.5, tourmaline is also susceptible to damage. Black tourmaline is not usually treated but is relatively common and rarely used.

Hematite - Colour is more grey than pure black.  Hardness is only 5.5-6.5 so is very soft for use in jewellery and subject to damage from frequent wear.  Common and cheap.

Jet - Jet is a form of coal which has been used as jewellery for centuries. Due to its softness (3.0-4.0), it could be carved and shaped easily. However, this means it is much less durable than a gemstone of mineral origin.  Jet was very popular in Victorian times when Queen Victoria wore it as mourning jewellery after the death of Prince Albert.

WHY BLACK ?

Black spinel is believed to protect its owner from harm, to reconcile differences, and to console sadness. It is also regarded as the gemstone for those born on Saturday.

While in Western culture, black may be associated with evil or mourning; in other cultures, black may represents power, fertility or wisdom (source Wikipedia).   In any case, black is the essence of style and sophistication with a timeless quality that means it will never go out of fashion.