Pink Spinel

Pink spinel and pink sapphire are both naturally occurring minerals that can appear in similar shades of pink, but they belong to different mineral families—spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide while sapphire is a variety of corundum. Pink sapphire is harder (9 on the Mohs scale) compared to spinel (8), and spinel is typically less expensive for comparable quality.

Pink spinel is primarily mined in Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan, with the latter's Pamir Mountains producing some of the finest known red and pink spinel crystals. Myanmar's Mogok Valley is historically the most famous source for gem-quality spinel, including vivid pink specimens.

Before modern gemological tools existed, spinel and ruby were nearly impossible to distinguish by eye because they often occur in the same geological deposits and share similar red-to-pink colors. Several famous historical 'rubies' in European crown jewels, including the Black Prince's Ruby in the British Crown Jewels, were later identified as spinel.

Pink spinel is increasingly popular for engagement rings due to its vivid color, good durability (8 on the Mohs scale), and relative affordability compared to pink sapphire or pink diamond. However, it is less hard than sapphire or diamond, so it may show wear over time with daily use.