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

Examples of spinel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Peridot and Spinel August's peridot and spinel symbolize positivity, protection, and good fortune. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 26 Apr. 2026

From diamond necklaces to sparkling red spinels, these glitzy items have immense personal and historic value. —Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026

Throughout, her eye for color shone in gradients of blues comprising tanzanites, sapphires and blue-green tourmalines, or pink ones playing off rubellites, pink spinels and spessartite garnets. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026

Alongside signature pink diamonds in a geometric bangle and the largest near-spherical natural pearl in the world, accented with fancy colored diamonds, the Abacus bangle blazed blue with Paraiba tourmalines, cobalt spinels and firey white diamonds. —Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian spinella, diminutive of spina thorn, from Latin

First Known Use

1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spinel

• ruby spinel