It is a very bright gem, having an almost diamond-like brilliance. Many of the world's most celebrated 'rubies' including several in the Crown Jewels of England were found to actually be red spinels, thanks to the new science of gemology introduced in the 19th century. The suspected clairvoyant was approached with a spinel wrapped in a piece of paper. Spinel is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the twenty-second year of marriage.
Spinel is a hard, tough stone and perfectly suited to daily wear.
To clean, immerse in a jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and clean with a small bristle brush. As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect ft from scratches and sharp blows. Spinel is found mainly in Burma and Sri Lanka.