Gemstone guide

Aquamarine is a captivating blue gemstone called Beryl in green hues. Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family and is therefore a mineral found in hexagonal crystals. Beryl in its pure form is colorless. What creates the beautiful blue color in aquamarine is the presence of iron in the crystals. Aquamarine can be completely clear and pure, but the inclusions can be incredibly beautiful and appear as small fairy tale landscapes inside the stone. Aquamarine can also be completely cloudy or milky, with a beautiful glow, as if there was an internal light in the stone.

Aquamarine is particularly loved in Scandinavia. Perhaps because it reminds us of the sea and the sky that surrounds us. Aquamarine is called Aqua Marina in Latin, which means "water of the sea", so even the ancient Romans also saw the similarity with the sea that fascinates us here in the Nordic region. Aquamarine is a mythical stone that has been loved for millennia by both kings and sailors because it was believed to protect travelers at sea.

Pacific ring. Big top with aquamarine. Gold 18 K

The value of aquamarine is assessed based on color, purity, cut, and weight. 

Of these, color is the most important parameter. An intense blue is the rarest and most sought-after version. Large quantities of aquamarine are found in Brazil, but it is also found in many other places in the world.

Aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Read more about gemstone hardness and durability here.

In traditional crystal knowledge, it is said that aquamarine, among other things, gives courage and has a calming effect. It harmonizes its surroundings. Aquamarine also reduces stress and protects against pollution. In connection with healing, aquamarine is often used to strengthen the body's cleansing organs and to calm an overreaction of the immune system and autoimmune diseases. In addition, it generally has a firming effect.

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and is associated with the zodiac signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Libra, Scorpio, Aquarius, and Pisces.

Piccolo Northern Light bracelet Gold 18 K

Amazonite is a fascinating gemstone with its beautiful turquoise color. Amazonite is part of the feldspar group, and the beautiful blue-green colors come from the presence of iron during the formation process. Amazonite is opaque and can be found with white inclusions, which give the stone depth. When amazonite is cut with exclusive facets, it can even sparkle like freshly fallen snow in sunlight.

The gemstone is named after the Amazon River and the beautiful colors of the surrounding jungle by a German mineralogist in the 1840s, but despite this, amazonite has never been found in the Amazon. It is clear that it is the stone itself that has inspired this exotic name rather than its original name "microcline" or "green feldspar". Amazonite has been used for a long time: It was found in the Egyptian King Tutankhamun's tomb from 1300 BC. In 2006, two ancient amazonite mines were found in the eastern Egyptian desert. These mines date back to 1800 BC and are thus some of the earliest mines we know of.

Piccolo Daybreak bracelet. Gold 18 K

The value of amazonite is assessed based on color, purity, cut, and weight. In the Nordic region, amazonite is mined in Sweden, but the most important deposits today are found in Russia, South Africa, and Mongolia.

On the Mohs scale, the hardness value of amazonite is 6-6.5. Read more about gemstone hardness and durability in our guide here.

Regarding amazonite's internal properties, it is said that amazonite is extremely soothing, can alleviate emotional trauma, and reduce worry and fear. It removes negative energy and annoyance and enables you to see both sides of a problem. In healing, amazonite is used to open the heart and throat chakras to enhance loving communication.

Amazonite is associated with the zodiac sign Virgo.

Piccolo Daybreak necklace. Gold 18 K

Amethyst is the name of a beautiful gemstone in the quartz family. Amethysts vary in color from pale violet to intense purple. It can be completely clear, but it is also found in more opaque versions.

Amethyst gets its name from ancient Greek and means "not intoxicated", as the stone was used against intoxication and as an amulet in ancient Greece. Many also attribute healing properties to amethyst that pave the way for calmness and happiness.

The value of amethyst is assessed based on color, purity, cut, and weight. An intense purple, clear amethyst without inclusions is the most valuable version. Amethysts are found in many places in the world, with the lighter version mainly found on the American continent, and the darker, intense purple amethysts are often found in Africa.

Glory pendant with amethyst and brillant cut diamond, Gold 18 K

On the Mohs scale, the hardness value of amethyst is 7. Read more about gemstone hardness and durability in our guide.

In traditional crystal knowledge, it is said, among other things, that amethyst is a very powerful and healing stone that transforms negative energy into love. It has a calming effect and helps you see things clearly because it enhances your intuitive abilities. In healing, amethyst is used to strengthen the immune system by supporting the body's cleansing organs. It balances gut flora and hormone production. Amethyst is also said to reduce bruising and swelling, and it relieves stress, headaches, and tension. Amethyst is used for sleep problems and helps promote peaceful sleep.

Amethyst is the birthstone for February and is associated with the zodiac signs: Aries, Sagittarius, Aquarius, and Pisces.

Garnet is an enchanting gemstone that is most commonly known for its intense red color. However, garnet also exists in many other color variations, such as Spessartine garnet, which is nicknamed Mandarin garnet because of its luminous orange color. There is also an intense green variation called Tsavorite garnet, named after its discovery location in one of the world's largest nature reserves, Tsavo in Kenya. The green garnet, Tsavorite, is a recent find, as it was discovered in the 1950s. Garnets are often found in areas with diamond deposits.

The name garnet is said to come from the pomegranate - and the resemblance to the beautiful, red fruit is quite clear. Garnet is a historical gemstone that has been known for millennia, and there are even tales that a brilliant red garnet showed Noah the way through the flood. In ancient times, garnet was worn as a protective talisman because it was believed to warn against impending danger.

Garnet is evaluated based on color, purity, cut, and weight. The finest and most valuable varieties of red garnet are clear with few inclusions and have a deep red color tone. Garnet is found in many places in the world, including Madagascar and Sri Lanka.

Piccolo Daybreak pendant. Gold 18 K

On the Mohs scale, the hardness of garnet varies depending on the variant. The garnets mentioned in this gemstone guide are among the hardest, all with a hardness of 7.5. You can read more about gemstone hardness and durability in our guide here.

Crystal expert Judy Hall explains in her book “Crystal Prescriptions”  that garnet inspires love and devotion. It strengthens survival instincts and brings courage and hopes into seemingly hopeless life situations. In healing, garnet is used to cleanse and energize the blood, heart, and lungs, and it helps with better absorption of vitamins and minerals.

Garnet is the birthstone for January and is associated with the zodiac signs Aries, Virgo, Scorpio, and Capricorn.

Piccolo Daybreak Ruby Drop pendant. Gold 18 K

Since ancient times, people have been drawn to carnelian's warm colors, ranging from deep golden to luminous translucent orange to a dark, warm red.

Carnelian belongs to the chalcedony group and is therefore a microcrystalline quartz, meaning it is composed of many microscopic crystals and cannot be completely transparent.

Carnelian contains iron oxide and forms a delicate lavender-blue chalcedony in the mountain. When the stone is pushed up to the surface and exposed to sunlight, the iron oxidizes and the chalcedony changes color, becoming red-orange carnelian. However, this color is stable and cannot change back to blue. This beautiful gemstone's name comes from the Latin word "carnal," which means fleshy, or the word "cornel," which means berry.

Carnelian has been used for amulets, sculptures, ornaments, signets, seals, and jewelry. The oldest find is beads found in Bulgaria, dating back to 5300-4800 BC.

Carnelian was used as a kind of currency, so it can be said that carnelian was the sunny countries' answer to Scandinavia's amber.

Because of carnelian's resemblance to the archetypal life-giver, the Sun, the stone has been attributed to many powerful properties. The intense color is associated both with the powerful lion and fire, but also with fertility and passion. Throughout the Mediterranean and in Arab countries, carnelian was often worn as a spiritual talisman. It is associated with courage, leadership, endurance, strength, and motivation.

In ancient Egypt, it was a strong symbol of the Sun God Ra. Therefore, carnelian was highly valued despite not being particularly rare at that time.

Today, carnelian's value is based on clarity and size. Color is more related to personal preference. Most carnelian historically comes from India, where important carnelian deposits have been found for centuries. Today, carnelian can be found in several countries, including Brazil, Egypt, and Uruguay. Carnelian has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Read more about gemstone hardness and durability in our guide.

In the traditional knowledge of crystals, it is said that carnelian is a stabilizing stone with high energy that makes it excellent for restoring vitality and motivation and stimulating creativity. It inspires acceptance of the cycle of life and removes the fear of death. Carnelian is also said to help you believe in yourself and your ideas.

In healing, carnelian is said to be full of life force and vitality, and it improves the absorption of vitamins and minerals. It is often used to stimulate metabolism and influence female reproductive organs and increase fertility.

Carnelian is associated with the star signs Aries, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, and Capricorn.

Chrysoprase is a very beautiful green chalcedony in the quartz family. Chalcedonies are microcrystalline, which means they are composed of tiny crystals, making them never completely transparent. Chrysoprase gets its name from the Greek words for golden- "Chrysos" and "Prasinon" which means green. In ancient times, it was called the Venus stone, and it was often used to make seals and signets.

Chrysoprase's mythical mist and unusually strong green color make it the most coveted of chalcedonies, and its similarity to jade has made it very popular in both China and Japan. Due to its semi-transparent properties, chrysoprase is especially suited to cabochon cuts.

The value of chrysoprase is assessed based on color, purity, cut, and weight. The clearer and more intense green it is, the higher the value. Chrysoprase is found in several places worldwide, but some of the most beautiful varieties come from Australia.

Balance pendant with rose quarts and green chrysoprase. Gold 18 K

Chrysoprase has a hardness value of 7 on the Mohs scale. 

Read more about gemstone hardness and durability in our guide on the subject.

In traditional crystal lore, it is said that chrysoprase helps you seek the truth and brings hope and trust to your life and your relationships. Chrysoprase greatly stimulates your creativity and unleashes your inner child. In healing, chrysoprase is used to stimulate and assist the liver in detoxifying and eliminating waste from both the body and the mind. 

The gemstone also helps you achieve peaceful sleep.

Chrysoprase is the birthstone for May and is associated with the zodiac signs Gemini, Aquarius, and Pisces.

Moonstone belongs to the feldspar group and has always been loved for its apparent resemblance to moonlight. The stone's sheen is called adularescence and is caused by reflections from countless tiny microscopic phenomena inside the stone. Moonstone was once called "adularia" after the town of Mt. Adular in Switzerland, from where some of the first very high-quality moonstones came.

Moonstone comes in beautiful dark and light grey, orange, and whitish colors, but there is also a slightly different variant called labradorite. Labradorite is known for its beautiful and intense play of colors, ranging from peacock blue and green to orange and red.

Myths about moonstones have arisen in many cultures around the world. According to Hindu mythology, a moonstone consists of solidified moonbeams, and it is said to bring good luck. You can even see into the future if you have a moonstone in your mouth during a full moon.

Moonstone has been widely used in Danish jewelry tradition. Georg Jensen's timeless Moonlight Blossom brooch, with several moonstone cabochons, was made by hand in the early 1900s. Likewise, international goldsmiths from the romantic Art Nouveau period, such as René Lalique and Louis Comfort Tiffany, also often used the beautiful moonstone.

Bell pendant with moonestone. Gold 18 K

Moonstone is particularly valued for the intensity of its enchanting internal sheen. Moonstone is found in several places in the world, but some of the most beautiful varieties today come from India and Sri Lanka.

Moonstone has a hardness value of 6 on the Mohs scale. You can read more about the hardness and durability of gemstones in our guide on the subject.

Crystal expert Judy Hall explains in her book "The Big Book of Crystals" that moonstone supports new beginnings and intuition. It reminds us that everything is part of the cycle of change, just as the moon waxes and wanes. Moonstone stabilizes your emotions and relieves stress. When worn in jewelry, it encourages the acceptance of psychic gifts. In healing, moonstone is especially used to alleviate problems in the digestive and reproductive systems. For women, it is excellent for PMS, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation.

Moonstone is the birthstone for June and is associated with the zodiac signs Cancer, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, and Pisces.

Opal is known for its fabulous shimmering play of colors that can vary in all the colors of the rainbow. In opal, the internal phenomena are very irregular, which causes light to refract in unique ways and produces small flashes of all colors in the spectrum. This also explains why no two opals are exactly alike in their play of colors.

However, there are also blue and pink opals that do not have any play of colors or flashes, but instead have some beautiful patterns that most resemble the effect you get when you pour some white paint on top of blue and stir it with a stirrer - just before the colors mix into one color. That is how the most delicate whitish bands that run through these types of opals can best be described.

Opal has been highly sought after since ancient times and was considered a bringer of good luck. It was mined in Europe and was incredibly expensive and rare. In the 19th century, massive opal discoveries were made in Australia, which is still the world's leading supplier of high-quality opals today.

Globe pendant with blue opal. Gold 18 K

One of the rarest and most expensive opals in the world is "The Virgin Rainbow." The incredible gemstone was discovered in 2003 in Australia and is an opalized fossil from an ancient octopus. Not only does it have a unique shape and enchanting play of colors, but it also glows in the dark.

On the Mohs scale, opal can vary in hardness from 5-6.5. Read more about gemstone hardness and durability in our guide on the subject.

In traditional crystal lore, opal is said to enhance self-esteem and help you understand your full potential. It stimulates originality and creativity. Opal has always been associated with love and passion, desire and romance. In healing, opal is used to strengthen the will to live and to ease childbirth and PMS.

Opal is the birthstone for October and is associated with the zodiac signs of Virgo and Libra.

Orchid Stone is a "new" stone that gemstone dealers have only started to notice within the past few years. The beautiful Orchid Stone is known for its incredible colors, ranging from fascinating fuchsia to enchanting dusty purple, which can include the finest reddish threads.

Orchid Stone is the stone's commercial name. The stone's original name is phosphosiderite, which means phosphorus and iron in Greek. The stone is very soft, so at Dulong we only use it in pendants for necklaces and earrings, where it is not at risk of impact or damage.

Orchid Stone is mined in the United States, Argentina, Chile, Germany, and Portugal, among other places.

On the Mohs scale, its hardness value is 3.5-4. Read more about Orchid Stone's hardness and durability in our guide.

In traditional crystal lore, Orchid Stone is said to be a stone of joy and has an encouraging effect. It can reduce anger and calm a rebellious temperament, giving a feeling of relaxed peace. 

In healing, its qualities are used to alleviate problems associated with the lungs, skin, and hair.

Balance pendant with Orchid Stone og red coral. Gold 18 K

Rose quarts is part of the large quartz family and is a beautiful feminine gemstone with delicate pink color. It ranges in color from completely transparent to a denser, pale pink haze.

Stories about rose quartz date back a long time. Rose quartz beads dating back to 7000 BC have been found in ancient Mesopotamia. In pre-Columbian cultures, rose quartz was known as a love stone used in amulets. In the Middle Ages, doctors used powdered rose quartz as medicine. In our time, some people acquire a beautiful rose quartz crystal and place it near digital devices because it is said to remove harmful radiation.

The highest-valued rose quartz has the most intense color, and these often come from Madagascar. Rose quartz can have both cat's eye and star effects. These are very rare and therefore more valuable. On the Mohs scale, rose quartz has a hardness value of 7. 

Read more about gemstone hardness and durability in our guide.

In traditional crystal lore, it is said that rose quartz is a calming stone that encourages unconditional love. It brings inner healing and comfort against sorrows and opens your heart so you can give love to yourself. In healing, rose quartz is used, for example, to increase fertility and strengthen the circulatory system.

Rose quartz is associated with the Taurus zodiac sign.

Bell pendant with Guava rose quarts. Gold 18 K

Ruby comes in a fascinating range of colors from light pink to deep red and is named after the Latin word "ruber", meaning red. A ruby can be transparent, semi-transparent, or completely opaque. The intense red color of ruby comes from the presence of chromium during the formation of this beautiful and coveted crystal.

Ruby has always been loved by kings and emperors. It was part of the four classic royal gemstones, which were ruby, emerald, sapphire, and diamond. Before it was discovered that gemstones generally have different properties, all red stones were called rubies, including garnet and spinel.

The quality of a ruby is determined by its color, clarity, and size. The most valuable rubies have a deep blood-red color, called "pigeon blood." In some cabochon-cut rubies, a star with six rays is visible. These rubies are called star rubies and are extremely valuable. Rubies are found in several places in the world, but some of the finest rubies are mined from the Mogok Valley in Myanmar. Ruby has a hardness value of 9 on the Mohs scale. 

Ruby is the birthstone for July and is associated with the zodiac signs: Aries, Cancer, Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Capricorn.

One of the most valuable rubies in the world is called the "Sunrise Ruby". It is an impressive pigeon blood-colored Mogok ruby of over 25 ct., named after a poem by Rumi from the 12th century with the same name.

Piccolo Daybreak pendant with rose quarts and ruby. Gold 18 K

"I am like a ruby held up to the sunrise.

Is it still a stone, or a world made of redness?

It has no resistance to sunlight.

The ruby and the sunrise are one"

This is a beautiful passage from the famous and beautiful poem called "Sunrise Ruby" by the poet Rumi from the 12th century. 

The poem has given its name to the world's largest and most expensive ruby, a ruby with the color of pigeon blood, weighing more than 25 carats.

The Danish royal family has a special relationship with rubies through the impressive, historic ruby set worn today by HRH Crown Princess Mary.

The ruby set originally belonged to Napoleon's beloved former fiancée, Désirée Bernadotte, who brought it with her to Scandinavia when her husband Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte was adopted as the crown prince of Sweden. It has since belonged to Queen Ingrid, who bequeathed it to Crown Prince Frederik.

The ruby set was restored and transformed by the Dulong workshop between 2010 and 2012. 

A beautiful book has been written about it.

Discover Royal Rubies or read more from the author, Nina Hald, here.

Smoky quartz is a beautiful golden brown or grey gemstone, named after its fine indescribable color with an internal pattern that resembles floating smoke. It is precisely this expression that makes the stone fascinating and lively to look at. Despite its smoky color, the transparent smoky quartz allows light to pass through and reflect in a magical way. At Dulong, we have smoky quartz that is mined in Europe. This version has a fabulous combination of deep color intensity and beautiful transparency in every stone.

Smoky quartz is found in several places around the world, with Brazil being the most important source, but it is also found in larger quantities in Madagascar. Smoky quartz is Scotland's national gemstone, and it is called Cairngorm after the Cairngorm Mountains.

Smoky quartz has always been recognized as a precious stone, from a status symbol in ancient times to Celtic culture and to modern-day jewelry.

On the Mohs scale, smoky quartz has a hardness of 7. You can read more about the hardness and durability of gemstones in our guide.

Crystal expert, Judy Hall, tells in her book “Crystal Prescriptions” that smoky quartz helps with grounding and emotional calmness, and it strengthens virility by cleansing the root chakra so that passions can flow freely. In healing, it is said that smoky quartz is effective against diseases in the stomach, hips, and legs, and it relieves pain.

The beautiful smoke quartz is associated with the zodiac signs: Sagittarius and Capricorn.

Sapphire is a beautiful and coveted gemstone. We know it best as blue, but it comes in all colors of the rainbow, and it can also be colorless. However, even today, if someone talks about sapphire, most people will imagine a blue stone.

Sapphire is related to ruby. Together, they are called corundum. Corundum is a hard material that is mostly used in industry to process softer materials. Rarely, during the crystallization process, there may be iron and titanium present, and then blue sapphire crystallizes. If the miracle happens, and there is chromium present instead, we get ruby. These two "siblings" have been among the most recognized stones throughout history, both because they are rare, but also because they are very durable, with beautiful strong colors, and a unique luster.

Sapphire symbolizes truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. The deep blue color is called royal blue, and it has been worn by kings, queens, and nobility for centuries.

Piccolo Sea Breeze earrings with 2 brillants og sapphire

In ancient Greece and Rome, the wealthy believed that blue sapphires protected against envy from others. In the Middle Ages, the clergy wore blue sapphires as a symbol of heaven, and it was believed that the blue gemstone attracted divine blessings. The sapphire has also been considered a peacemaker, and it was believed to have the ability to influence spirits and reveal the secrets of oracles.

At Dulong, we value all the colors and properties of sapphires and have jewelry with blue, pink, light pink, yellow, and purple sapphires, as well as multi-colored star sapphires.

Sapphires have been found in places such as Kashmir, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. The quality of a sapphire is determined by its color, clarity, and size. Blue Kashmir sapphires are still considered the king of all sapphires, and the most beautiful color is called "blue cornflower" or "blue velvet." Sri Lanka sapphires are characterized by delicate pastel colors that change in shades of yellow, light yellow, peach, light pink, orange, purple, and light blue, and they can have wonderful inclusions that create flashes of light and life in the stones. Some cabochon-cut sapphires display a star with six rays. These sapphires are called star sapphires and are extremely rare and therefore very valuable.

Piccolo Sunlight bracelet with blue sapphire

On the Mohs scale, sapphire has a hardness value of 9. Read more about the hardness and durability of gemstones in our guide.

In traditional crystal wisdom, sapphire is said to be the stone of wisdom, where each color has its own particular wisdom. Green sapphire enhances vision, both outer and inner. It strengthens compassion and understanding of others' vulnerability and unique qualities. Pink and pink sapphire attract development and remove emotional blockages. Star sapphire opens up to intuition and helps to see other people's intentions. Yellow sapphire attracts prosperity and stimulates the intellect.

Sapphire is the birthstone for September and has also given its name to the 45th wedding anniversary for couples due to its beauty and durability. Sapphire is associated with the zodiac signs of Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, and Libra.

Emerald belongs to the beryl family and is known for its intense green color. The captivating green comes from chromium present during the crystallization process. An emerald can be transparent, semi-transparent, or completely opaque.

The word emerald has its roots in ancient Greece and means "green gemstone". Emerald is among the royal gemstones and has been worn by both kings and nobility. Since ancient times, emeralds have been considered sacred symbols of fertility and immortality. Cleopatra often wore them and adorned her palace with them. It was also believed that wearing emeralds could bring wealth, and eloquence, and both strengthen memory and sharpen the mind.

Both in the East and in Europe, doctors used emeralds to cure poisonings and dysentery. Many believed that this beautiful green gemstone could also protect against demonic possession.

The quality of an emerald is evaluated based on its color, purity, and size. In ancient times, emeralds came from mines in Egypt, India, and Austria. Today, emeralds are mined on several continents. However, the most recognized emeralds come from Colombia and can be recognized by their intense color and 3-phase inclusions. African emeralds have 2-phase inclusions and tend towards blue-green. Russian emeralds typically have needle-shaped inclusions. A common characteristic of all emeralds is that they are very rarely free of inclusions. Gemstone experts have long accepted and even recognized this as the "beautiful herb garden" of emeralds.

Piccolo Bloom necklace with emerald

You have to be careful with emerald jewelry due to the fragility of the stone. Fitting an emerald is always a great challenge for even the most experienced goldsmiths. 

Once the emerald is set, it is more secure, but one should still handle their emerald jewelry with care.

On the Mohs scale, emerald has a hardness value of 7.5-8. Read more about gemstone hardness and durability in our guide here.

In traditional crystal knowledge, emerald brings good luck in love. It strengthens partnership and promotes friendship. Emerald strengthens the ability to live life to the fullest, removes negative thoughts, and promotes positive actions. In healing, emerald is used, among other things, to heal after infectious diseases. It improves vision and has a detoxifying effect on the liver.

Emerald is the birthstone for May and is associated with the following zodiac signs: Taurus, Cancer, Leo, Libra, and Scorpio.

Linea Piccolo Sea Breeze necklace with emerald

Spinel is a gemstone with a wide variety of wonderful colors ranging from black to purple to aubergine, gray-blue, delicate pink, and orange-red. However, it is the bright pink, raspberry red, and fiery red colors that are the rarest and most sought-after, and therefore also the most valuable. Spinel is special because its brilliance is so clear and radiant that black spinel is often mistaken for a black diamond.

Spinel belongs to the cubic crystal family like diamond. The origin of the name "spinel" is uncertain, but it may have roots in the Latin word "spina," which means thorn. The name is likely due to the sharp points that the octagonal crystals can have in their raw form.

Arab travel accounts from Afghanistan in 951 AD describe how "an earthquake some centuries before opened the interior of the mountain and revealed a white rock with red crystals, some as large as hen's eggs...". About 300 years later, Marco Polo described active mines in the same area.

The red spinel has often been mistaken for ruby, and it was not until the late 1700s that it was discovered that spinel and ruby are two different gemstones.

The famous Black Prince Ruby is actually a spinel. It is preserved in its original baroque shape and weighs nearly 170 carats. It sits above the historic Cullinan II diamond in the English crown jewels, which were made for Queen Victoria's coronation in 1838.

Piccolo Sunset bracelet Gold 18 K

The Black Prince Ruby was given by the Spanish king to the Black Prince of England as payment for his military support in the civil war in 1366. That is, an expensive military campaign was paid for with a single gemstone from the lavish mines in Afghanistan.

Spinel is valued based on color, purity, cut, and weight. Deposits today include Tanzania, Madagascar, Tajikistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Kenya, Pakistan, Australia, Brazil, Nigeria, and the USA.

On the Mohs scale, spinel has a hardness rating of 8. Read more about gemstone hardness and durability in our guide here.

In the traditional knowledge of crystals, it is said that spinel is associated with energy renewal and rejuvenation. It brings encouragement during difficult circumstances and strengthens positive aspects of personality.

Spinel is the birthstone for August and is associated with the following zodiac signs: Aries, Taurus (black spinel), Gemini (blue spinel), Cancer (brown spinel), Leo (yellow spinel), Libra (green spinel), and Scorpio (red/pink spinel).