spinel

noun

spi·​nel spə-ˈnel How to pronounce spinel (audio)
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
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The auction house amended the origin of the spinel from Sri Lanka to Tajikistan, based on an American Gemological Laboratories report. Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 One stunning example featuring ruby root, opals, spinel, and mandarin garnets was reportedly among the first pieces to sell. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 19 June 2025 The spinels have an approximate total weight of more than 2,000 carats. Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 Another necklace, inspired by Milan’s night sky, suspends a smoky star composed of grey sapphires and spinels. Milena Lazazzera, CNN Money, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for spinel

Word History

Etymology

Italian spinella, diminutive of spina thorn, from Latin

First Known Use

1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spinel was in 1528

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Cite this Entry

“Spinel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spinel. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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