spinel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “spinel” mean?
A hard, typically red or blue, crystalline mineral composed of magnesium aluminium oxide, often used as a gemstone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hard, typically red or blue, crystalline mineral composed of magnesium aluminium oxide, often used as a gemstone.
Primarily a mineralogical/gemological term. Can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe something pure, hard, or brilliant.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical in both variants; carries connotations of geology, gemology, and sometimes value/rarity.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “spinel” in a Sentence
The [gem] is a [colour] spinel.Scientists synthesised the spinel.The ring was set with a spinel.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spinel” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The spinel inclusions were diagnostic.
- They studied the spinel phase of the material.
American English
- The spinel inclusions were diagnostic.
- They studied the spinel phase of the compound.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used outside the gem trade (e.g., 'The auction featured a significant Burmese spinel.').
Academic
Used in geology, mineralogy, and materials science (e.g., 'The spinel structure is common in many oxides.').
Everyday
Virtually unused in general conversation.
Technical
Precise term in gemology and mineralogy (e.g., 'Distinguishing ruby from red spinel requires spectroscopic analysis.').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spinel”
- Misspelling as 'spinal'.
- Mispronouncing with a long 'i' (/spaɪnɛl/).
- Confusing it with more common gems like ruby or sapphire.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminium oxide), while red spinel is magnesium aluminium oxide. They are different minerals with distinct chemical structures, though they can look very similar.
High-quality spinels, especially those with vivid red or blue colour and good clarity, can be very valuable, though historically they were often undervalued compared to ruby or sapphire.
Yes, synthetic spinel is commonly produced for both industrial applications (e.g., as a refractory material) and for use in jewellery as a simulant or in its own right.
They are near-homophones, especially in American English (/spəˈnɛl/ vs /ˈspaɪnəl/). The spelling is also very similar, leading to visual confusion.
A hard, typically red or blue, crystalline mineral composed of magnesium aluminium oxide, often used as a gemstone.
Spinel is usually technical/scientific in register.
Spinel: in British English it is pronounced /spɪˈnɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /spəˈnɛl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SPINE + L. A 'spinel' is a hard, sharp-looking crystal, not soft like a 'spinal' cord.
Conceptual Metaphor
PURITY/PERFECTION (e.g., 'a gem of spinel-like clarity').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'spinel' MOST precisely used?