Madagascar Blue Spinel
Madagascar blue spinel is one of the most exciting modern discoveries in the world of spinel gemstones. Known for its bright and attractive blue colors, these gemstones have quickly gained attention among collectors and jewelry designers.
Since the discovery of important deposits in Madagascar, blue spinel from this region has become increasingly popular due to its vivid color, good clarity, and rarity.
Origin of Madagascar Blue Spinel
Madagascar has emerged as one of the most important gemstone producing regions in the world. The island is known for producing a wide range of gemstones including sapphire, ruby, and spinel.
Blue spinels discovered in Madagascar often occur in alluvial deposits where gemstones are naturally concentrated by erosion and geological processes.
Color and Characteristics
Madagascar blue spinels display a range of attractive blue shades, from lighter sky-blue tones to deeper vivid blue colors. Some stones may show subtle violet or greyish undertones.
- Color: bright blue to slightly violet-blue
- Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale
- Clarity: commonly eye-clean
- Treatment: typically untreated
Many collectors appreciate Madagascar blue spinel because the stones are usually natural and untreated.
Blue Spinel vs Blue Sapphire
Blue spinel is sometimes compared with blue sapphire because both gemstones display attractive blue colors.
- Spinel hardness: 8 Mohs
- Sapphire hardness: 9 Mohs
- Spinel is typically untreated
- Sapphire is often heat treated
While sapphire is more widely known, fine blue spinel is often rarer and highly valued among gemstone collectors.
Market Trends and Pricing
In recent years, Madagascar blue spinel has gained strong attention in the gemstone market. At times, market demand and speculation have caused prices of some Madagascar blue spinels to rise sharply.
In certain periods, prices were pushed to levels even higher than some cobalt blue spinels. However, gem experts generally recognize that true cobalt blue spinel, especially stones from Sri Lanka and Vietnam, remains rarer and historically more valuable than Madagascar blue spinel.
As a result, while Madagascar blue spinel is admired for its beauty and availability, fine cobalt blue spinel continues to hold a stronger position in terms of rarity and long-term collector value.
Rarity and Value
Although Madagascar has produced significant quantities of gemstones, fine blue spinel with strong color and good clarity remains rare.
Larger stones with vivid color are particularly desirable and may command strong demand among collectors and gemstone investors.
Explore Natural Spinel Gemstones
If you are interested in rare collector gemstones, explore our collection of natural spinel gemstones available in a wide variety of colors and sizes.
Madagascar Blue Spinel FAQs
Is Madagascar blue spinel rare?
Madagascar produces a variety of gemstones, but fine blue spinel with vivid color and good clarity remains relatively rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Is Madagascar blue spinel treated?
Most Madagascar blue spinel gemstones are natural and untreated, which increases their appeal among collectors and gemstone enthusiasts.
How does Madagascar blue spinel compare to cobalt blue spinel?
While Madagascar blue spinel can display attractive blue colors, true cobalt blue spinel from sources such as Sri Lanka and Vietnam is generally rarer and considered more valuable by collectors.