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Artificial products / Manufactured products · Artificial product type · Synthetic product
Synthetic Spinel
Synthetically made Spinel; GB/T 16552-2017 Annex A Table A.4 lists it as "synthetic spinel". It is often used to imitate other gems. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.
Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.
What this page can answer
This page covers
- How Synthetic Spinel forms and what gives its colourFormation setting, process and timescale, each finding graded and sourced
- How to identify Synthetic SpinelIdentification points from the research literature
- Hardness and density of Synthetic SpinelEach value with its source and check date
- Synthetic Spinel in English, Chinese and Japanese; national standard namesNames in four languages, the GB/T standard name and the suggested listing name, names in national standards; and: Which of GIA, FTC, CIBJO and Gem-A have a name for it on record, and do those agree?
- Listing and disclosing Synthetic SpinelThe listing name to use; what must be disclosed before sale
- Standard clauses that define Synthetic SpinelWhich clause defines it, each cross-checked
What we cannot conclude
- Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
- Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
- Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.
Material research: formation, causes and history
What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.
How it forms
Synthetic spinel is magnesium aluminium oxide, MgAl2O4, with the spinel structure, made by human hands to correspond to natural spinel; unlike the natural material it is not formed geologically. The blue variety is generally produced through the Verneuil (flame-fusion) method. Diagnostic evidence comes from its standard gemological behaviour: an RI of 1.728, strong anomalous double refraction, strong red transmission through the Chelsea filter, absorption bands at 540 nm, 580 nm and 635 nm, and strong red fluorescence under long-wave UV, among other traits. As a simulant, synthetic spinel is often chosen to imitate the colours of numerous natural gems, and it must always be named or disclosed as "synthetic spinel".
Scope: Applies to explaining the artificially manufactured nature of synthetic spinel (flame fusion), its gemmological characteristics and naming boundaries; does not describe the ore-forming process of natural spinel.
Sources G&G Spring 2016 · GIA Introduction to Imitation Gems · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Where it forms
A controlled laboratory crystal-growth environment (melt growth, e.g. the Verneuil flame-fusion process), not a natural geological setting.
Sources G&G Spring 2016 · GIA Introduction to Imitation Gems · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Natural spinel occurrence settings (e.g. marble, metamorphic rocks) do not apply; synthetic spinel has no natural formation origin.
Sources G&G Spring 2016 · GIA Introduction to Imitation Gems · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
How it forms, step by step
Prepare magnesium aluminium oxide feedstock and dope it with colouring elements as required (e.g. cobalt, titanium, chromium for blue).
Sources G&G Spring 2016
Use the Verneuil (flame-fusion) method to melt the powdered feedstock and crystallise it layer by layer into a synthetic spinel boule.
Sources G&G Spring 2016
Optionally apply treatments such as quench-crackling to the product so it appears more like natural spinel.
Sources G&G Spring 2016
Cut, polish and name/disclose the material as 'synthetic spinel'.
Sources G&G Spring 2016
Link to appearance
Because synthetic spinel has the same composition and structure as natural spinel, it may look similar; its colour varieties can be matched to gems including peridot, aquamarine, zircon and sapphire, which makes it useful as a simulant.
Sources G&G Spring 2016 · GIA Introduction to Imitation Gems · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Timescale
The selected sources give no growth duration for synthetic spinel; the duration parameters of flame-fusion growth and finishing are not quantified.
Sources G&G Spring 2016 · GIA Introduction to Imitation Gems · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Supporting findings
The Verneuil (flame-fusion) process is used to grow blue synthetic spinel; its standard diagnostic features include an RI of 1.728 together with strong anomalous double refraction.
Evidence grade AScope: Specific to the cobalt-blue flame-fusion synthetic spinel studied, not all synthesis methods and colours.
Sources G&G Spring 2016
How it is identified
Synthetic spinel can imitate other gems — CIBJO gives the example of synthetic spinel coloured to resemble aquamarine — so colour and general appearance are not enough to say what a stone is. Telling a synthetic stone from its natural counterpart, or from a composite such as a spinel doublet, relies on laboratory methods such as chemical and spectroscopic analysis; trade naming rules govern how material is labelled, not how it is identified. A definite conclusion should be issued by a qualified gem laboratory.
Evidence grade BScope: A conservative call: the listed sources give no material-specific tests, only that appearance is unreliable and laboratory testing is needed.
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Other research findings
To make it appear more like natural spinel, synthetic spinel may be quench-crackled; this method usually involves a dye, but this specimen was not dyed.
Evidence grade AScope: Describes this treatment of synthetic spinel and its link to identification; makes no value judgement.
Sources G&G Spring 2016
LA-ICP-MS analysis showed the blue synthetic spinel to be rich in Co — as much as 167 ppma — and also to contain 337 ppma Cr and 1137 ppma Ti.
Evidence grade AScope: Trace-element data for a single specimen; not representative of all synthetic spinel.
Sources G&G Spring 2016
Because its colour can vary, synthetic spinel frequently serves as a simulant, imitating the appearance of numerous natural gems — sapphire, zircon, aquamarine and peridot among them.
Evidence grade AScope: Describes its simulant use and standing; not natural spinel provenance.
Sources GIA Introduction to Imitation Gems
A synthetic stone must be named/disclosed as 'synthetic' + natural counterpart name and no other qualifying term; synthetic spinel must follow this rule.
Evidence grade AScope: A naming/disclosure rule; not a specific growth process.
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Limits of this research
- Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
- The selected sources give no growth temperature, duration or equipment parameters for synthetic spinel.
- The gemological and chemical data come from a single flame-fusion blue synthetic spinel specimen and are not representative of all synthetic spinel varieties and processes.
Methodology
- Origin determination and its limits
- Quality grading and value factors
- How gemmology became a technical discipline
Evidence grades
- A
- Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
- B
- Institutional educational material
- C
- Specialist databases or cautious readings
A statement is never graded above its strongest source.
This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.
DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments
- Suggested listing name
- Synthetic Spinel
GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.4 “Synthetic Spinel” · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022 4.3.3.1
This page cannot answer
Natural? · Origin · Price
A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.
Related:What this page can answer
Answer at a glance
"Synthetic Spinel" is a market name rather than a mineral species name; before using it, verify: Not a mineral: man-made or non-mineral material.
Evidence
- GB/T · Table A.4, row 合成尖晶石 (Synthetic Spinel)
What this means for you
Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Synthetic Spinel" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.
Known uncertainty
- This entry's exact material identity is not fully settled.
- See “Disclosure and cautions” above
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-01
Trade-name ruling
- Not a mineral: man-made or non-mineral material.
- Suggested listing name
- Synthetic Spinel
Care and wear
No care facts are recorded for this entry itself. Its parent material has care records: see Spinel.
VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources
Names
Standard and listing namesThe GB/T 16552—2017 formal name of Synthetic Spinel is given in Table A.4, and the suggested listing name is likewise Synthetic Spinel, in which the word synthetic must not be omitted; Synthetic Spinel is a trade name rather than a mineral species name and is often used to imitate other gems. Trade and mineralogical namesThe mineralogical name is Synthetic spinel. Names in four languagesThe four-language names are the Simplified and Traditional Chinese names, English Synthetic Spinel and the Japanese name. Institution usageFor authority wording, GIA records Laboratory-grown Spinel, FTC records Laboratory-created Spinel and CIBJO records Synthetic Spinel, while Gem-A is unchecked; bodies not checked show the entry's own English name, which does not represent their position. Japanese namesGSJ (Japan) wording for this name is not yet verified, and the entry's own Japanese name is shown. National standard namesNational and regional formal names: Germany (RAL) uses Synthetischer Spinell and the European Union Synthetic Spinel.
- GSJ (Japan) formal name
- 合成スピネル (not yet checked for this body — the entry's own Japanese name is shown)
- Chinese formal name
- 合成尖晶石 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.4)
- Mineralogical name
- Synthetic spinel
Four-language names
- 简体中文
- 合成尖晶石
- 繁體中文
- 合成尖晶石
- English
- Synthetic Spinel
- 日本語
- 合成スピネル
National and regional formal names
- Germany (RAL)
- Synthetischer Spinell
- European Union
- Synthetic Spinel
See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index
Classification
- Origin
- Artificial products / Manufactured products
- Material domain
- Artificial products / Manufactured products
- Browsing family
- Synthetic gem products
- Identity tier
- Artificial product type
- Mineral chemical class
- Mixed / composition-dependent
- Construction or treatment status
- Synthetic product
What it is and how it's identified
Registered material facts for Synthetic Spinel: the chemical formula is written MgAl2O3, the ratio of Al2O3 to MgO is usually 2.5:1 and can reach 4:1, whereas in natural spinel the ratio of Al2O3 to MgO is 1:1, and elements such as Fe, Co and Cr may be incorporated; it is crystalline and cubic, the internal lattice is often distorted, and the crystal habit is irregular. Mohs hardness is 8, with no cleavage; this site notes that hardness alone is not enough to judge durability. Density is 3.52–3.66 g/cm³, derived from the cited clause value of 3.64 with an allowed deviation of +0.02/−0.12. Optically it is isotropic but often shows anomalous optical behaviour due to lattice distortion; there is no birefringence; when untreated there is no pleochroism, and the quality factor lustre is vitreous; among optical effects, a colour-change effect may be seen. In the infrared spectrum, flux-grown material shows the characteristic infrared bands of spinel itself in the fingerprint region, while flame-fusion material shows fingerprint-region bands that differ from natural spinel.
Registered material facts
Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.
Definition
Synthetic Spinel — composition (chemistry): MgAl2O3. The ratio of Al2O3 to MgO is generally 2.5:1 and may reach 4:1, whereas in natural spinel that ratio is 1:1. Elements such as Fe, Co and Cr may be present.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.8 (locator checked 2026-09-22)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Structure
Synthetic Spinel — structure (overall): crystalline
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.8 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Spinel — structure (crystal system): cubic; the internal lattice is often distorted.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.8 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Spinel — structure (crystal habit): irregular shape
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.8 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Durability
Synthetic Spinel — Mohs hardness: 8
GB/T 16553—2017
Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- General note
- hardness only, not durability
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.8 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Spinel — cleavage: none
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.8 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Physical properties
Synthetic Spinel — density: 3.52–3.66 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 3.64, with a stated tolerance of +0.02 / -0.12. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.8 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Optical
Synthetic Spinel — optic character: isotropic; lattice distortion usually causes anomalous optical behaviour.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.8 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Spinel — birefringence: none
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.8 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Spinel — pleochroism: none
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.8 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Spinel — fluorescence (overall): colourless: long wave none to weak, green; short wave weak to strong, green-blue, blue-white; blue: long wave weak to strong, red, orange-red, red-violet; short wave weak to strong, blue-white, mottled blue, red to red-violet; green, yellow-green: long wave strong, yellow-green, violet-red; short wave moderate to strong, yellow-green, green-white; colour-change: long and short wave moderate, dark red; red: long wave strong, red, violet-red to orange-red; short wave weak to strong, red to orange-red.
GB/T 16553—2017
UV fluorescencegreennone–weak, colourlessgreen-blueblue-whiteweak–strongredorange-redred-violetweak–strong, blueblue-whitemottled blueredred-violetweak–strongyellow-greenviolet-redstrong, green, yellow-greenyellow-greengreen-whitemoderate–strongdark redmoderate, colour-changeredviolet-redorange-redstrong, redredorange-redweak–strongDots are illustrative colours built from the colour names, not measured values
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.8 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Spinel — spectrum (UV-visible): red: 688 nm absorption peak; 695 nm absorption band; 680~690 nm absorption band; colour-change: 525~660 nm absorption band; 690 nm absorption band; blue (lapis lazuli imitation): 455 nm absorption band; 515~560 nm absorption band; 650~680 nm weak absorption band; grey-blue: 590 nm absorption band; 640 nm absorption band; 550~560 nm weak absorption band; pink: 640~700 nm strong absorption band; deep blue: 550 nm strong absorption band; 570~600 nm strong absorption band; 625~650 nm absorption band; green, green-blue: 425 nm absorption band.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.8 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Spinel — spectrum (infrared): In the fingerprint region, flux-grown synthetic spinel gives the same diagnostic bands as spinel itself, whereas in flame-fusion synthetic spinel the bands there differ from those of natural spinel.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.8 (locator checked 2026-09-22)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Synthetic Spinel — optical effect (colour change): seen
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.8 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Spinel — magnification: flame fusion method: clean, occasional curved growth striations, bubble; flux method: flux residue shaped like droplets or veils, thin metal sheet.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.8 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Synthetic Spinel — body colour: colourless, light to dark blue, light to dark green, red, yellow, dark blue (imitating lapis lazuli).
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The colours GB/T 16553—2017 lists for Spinel overlap with this entry: red, colourless, yellow, blue and green.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.8 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
- CIBJO definitions
- colour change
Quality factors
Synthetic Spinel — quality factor (lustre): vitreous
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.4.8 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Clause-level definitions
In the clause-level definitions, the corresponding entry name for Synthetic Spinel is Synthetic Spinel; the cited clause is GB/T 16552-2017 Annex A, and the definition given is Synthetic spinel. The cross-check result is: listed directly by GB/T, and CIBJO carries no standalone entry under the same name.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Term | Clause | Definition | Cross-check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synthetic Spinel | GB/T 16552-2017 Annex A | Synthetic spinel | Listed directly by GB/T; CIBJO carries no standalone entry under the same name. |
Evidence and sources
Authority basis and clause sources
Sources
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. Gemmological Laboratories Book (Blue Book), Gemmological Commission 2024-1.
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. The Gemstone Book (Blue Book), 2022.
- SAMR / SAC (China). GB/T 16552—2017 Gems — Nomenclature.
- Federal Trade Commission (United States). In the Loupe: Advertising Diamond, Gemstones and Pearls.
Further reading
Related entries and topic cluster
Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.
Related-entry tree for Spinel on this site: 3 entries listed by this site's parent-entry links; synthetic, treated and similar entries carry their recorded state after the name; this page (Synthetic Spinel) is marked.
- Spinel
Sub-entries (2)
- Cobalt Spinel
- Synthetic Spinel (Synthetic product)
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Page | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing family | Synthetic gem products | Live |
| Related articles | To be added (placeholder) | Planned |
Who maintains this page
The material facts in the Synthetic Spinel entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.