Mahengue Spinel Crystal (Tanzania)

Mahengue Spinel Crystal (Tanzania)

Mineral: Spinel

Origin: Mahenge, Morogoro Region, Tanzania

Color: Intense Pinkish Red

Fluorescence: Intense Red

Treatment: None

Approximate Dimensions: 1cm x 1cm x 1.2cm

Weight: 1g

10% of this purchase will be donated to The International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF)

For centuries, Spinel has been confused with the other great red gemstone, the Ruby. Spinel is often found in the same deposits as Ruby, so for a long time it was impossible to identify them as a separate gemstone. Now with modern testing techniques, these two stones are easily identifiable. Before the discovery of the Mahenge Spinel the most beautiful red Spinels had originally come from the Balas region in Afghanistan. These were called Balas Rubies since their identification was confused.

One of the most famous cases of mistaken identity is the “Black Princes” Ruby that is part of the Royal Crown Jewels. This Ruby is actually a big beautiful red Spinel.

In a farmers field in Mahenge, Tanzania, workers found a giant Spinel crystal weighing 52 Kgs (114 Pounds). This Mahenge Spinel crystal displayed the gemmy vibrant pink color that is now famous from Mahenge Spinel. The crystal was highly included, but large chunks of top quality stone were able to be cobbed of the side. This resulted in thousands of carats of gem quality Mahenge Spinel being cut in Thailand and distributed to the world market. From this point on, the Mahenge Spinel was thrust into the spotlight as one of the most beautiful and vibrant gemstone available on the market today.

Color may vary in images and videos due to different lightings and angles.