spinel
noun
spi·nel spə-ˈnel 
variants or spinelle
1
: a hard crystalline mineral consisting of an oxide of magnesium and aluminum that varies from colorless to ruby red to black and is used as a gem
2
: any of a group of minerals that are essentially oxides of magnesium, ferrous iron, zinc, or manganese
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The red spinel is set in Great Britain’s Imperial State Crown just above the 317.40-carat Cullinan II diamond. 
Beth Bernstein, Forbes, 3 Aug. 2022 In Taormina, an array of other loose gems, among them a nearly 22-carat Sri Lankan sapphire and a 25-plus carat Tanzanian spinel, drove that point home. Vogue, 7 June 2022 The d’Ollone brothers began sourcing rare stones from small mines (alexandrite from Russia, Mahenge spinel from Tanzania) 15 years ago, typically selling them to collectors. New York Times, 24 Feb. 2022 Baguette Tile Riviere Necklace with black spinel worn with layers and one vintage charm in the shape of New York City on a thin gold chain. Beth Bernstein, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2021 The Black Prince's Ruby—technically a spinel that can be traced back to the 14th century— may command star billing in the Imperial State Crown but Cullinan II (also known as the Second Star of Africa), which sits just below, is equally worthy. Leena Kim, Town & Country, 14 Aug. 2021 Found in Tajikistan, the rare spinel is the fourth largest in the world by carat weight. Roberta Naas, Forbes, 22 June 2021 Highlights include the Imperial Spinel necklace, which boasts a center spinel stone of rich pink, fuchsia red that weights 131.21 carats. Roberta Naas, Forbes, 22 June 2021 The shape of the eyewear references the signature watch through round profiles, a sleek double bridge detail, and a blue spinel. Joseph Deacetis, Forbes, 8 June 2021 See More
Beth Bernstein, Forbes, 3 Aug. 2022 In Taormina, an array of other loose gems, among them a nearly 22-carat Sri Lankan sapphire and a 25-plus carat Tanzanian spinel, drove that point home. Vogue, 7 June 2022 The d’Ollone brothers began sourcing rare stones from small mines (alexandrite from Russia, Mahenge spinel from Tanzania) 15 years ago, typically selling them to collectors. New York Times, 24 Feb. 2022 Baguette Tile Riviere Necklace with black spinel worn with layers and one vintage charm in the shape of New York City on a thin gold chain. Beth Bernstein, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2021 The Black Prince's Ruby—technically a spinel that can be traced back to the 14th century— may command star billing in the Imperial State Crown but Cullinan II (also known as the Second Star of Africa), which sits just below, is equally worthy. Leena Kim, Town & Country, 14 Aug. 2021 Found in Tajikistan, the rare spinel is the fourth largest in the world by carat weight. Roberta Naas, Forbes, 22 June 2021 Highlights include the Imperial Spinel necklace, which boasts a center spinel stone of rich pink, fuchsia red that weights 131.21 carats. Roberta Naas, Forbes, 22 June 2021 The shape of the eyewear references the signature watch through round profiles, a sleek double bridge detail, and a blue spinel. Joseph Deacetis, Forbes, 8 June 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Italian spinella, diminutive of spina thorn, from Latin
First Known Use
1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1