Alternative Names:
Origin: Pakistan
Mineral Species: Spinel
Mineral Group: Oxides
Chemical Formula: MgAl2O4
Hardness: 7.5-8
Crystal System: Cubic (Isometric)
Colour: Lavender
Typical Appearance: Typically as groups of intergrown octahedral crystals.
Birthstone: Secondary birthstone for Virgo
Chakra Alignment: Third Eye
Element: Spirit
Origin of Name & Mythology: Named in 1779 by Jean Demeste from the Latin spinella, meaning “little thorn”, alluding to its sharp octahedral crystals. The earliest known treatment of spinel as a gemstone was discovered in a Buddhist tomb dating from 100 BC near Kabul, Afghanistan. Red and blue crystals were known during the Roman period in Europe, including some blue stones found in England from that time. Spinel was often confused with carbuncle (garnet) and ruby, and therefore much of the lore associated with it is confused with these gemstones. Hindu tradition divides ruby into four castes, two of which, Vaisya and Sudra (also known as bala), are, in fact, spinel. Two of the “rubies” in the British Crown Jewels – the Timur Ruby and the Black Prince’s Ruby – are bala spinels. See information on Ruby and Garnet for traditional uses of spinel.
Lavender spinel shares many of the healing characteristics of other varieties of spinel, although the effect may be softer and subtler. It has a strong and immediate relationship with the Heart, clearing and strengthening the chakra, and reinforcing our ability to love, as well as our connection with Source. This, in turn, emphasises the Heaven/Earth connection (present in all varieties of spinel), allowing us to manifest our heavenly aspirations on the earthly plane, and also to experience true compassion – even in those bleak moments when we question whether humanity deserves it. Lavender spinel is excellent for general clearing, effecting the entire energy body and each individual chakra, with special focus on the Heart, Third Eye and Crown. It removes any blockages in these areas that might hinder the movement of Kundalini up the spine to the higher chakras, and encourages its flow. Also in common with other types of spinel, lavender spinel can be used for rejuvenation and renewal of energy, even when we have depleted our reserves. In addition, it clears the mind, helping us to see a more positive or obvious way forward through difficulties.
