PINK SPINELS

Pink spinel is a variety of spinel whose colour ranges from petal pink to neon pink. Its colour is owed to trace amounts of chrome within its crystal structure. With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, it offers excellent resistance to everyday wear. Pink spinel belongs to the rare category of precious stones that are naturally untreated — one of the qualities most valued when comparing it with pink sapphire.

Mahenge refers to a region in south-eastern Tanzania celebrated for its pink spinels. A landmark discovery in August 2007 unearthed an exceptional crystal weighing 52 kg, an event that transformed the pink spinel market. The Mahenge colour is defined by a uniquely fluorescent neon pink, the result of a rare combination of chrome and an almost complete absence of iron. Mahenge pink spinels rank among the most sought-after precious stones of the decade.

Both stones display similar pink hues, yet their chemical composition differs. Pink sapphire is a corundum coloured by chrome or iron. Pink spinel is a magnesium-aluminium oxide coloured by chrome. Sapphire has a hardness of 9 against 8 for spinel. Pink spinel is almost always entirely natural, whereas pink sapphire is frequently heat-treated. In terms of brilliance, Mahenge spinels often surpass pink sapphires in saturation and fluorescence.

The price of a pink spinel varies according to hue, origin and weight. Expect to pay €500 to €2,000 per carat for a good-quality pink spinel of around 1 carat. Mahenge pink spinels reach €3,000 to €10,000 per carat. Exceptional stones of pure neon pink can exceed €15,000 per carat. This rarity makes pink spinel a high-end alternative to pink sapphire and padparadscha.

Pink spinels come principally from three origins. Tanzania (Mahenge) has been the world benchmark for fluorescent pinks since 2007. Tajikistan (Kuh-i-Lal) produces pink spinels with soft, historically prized tones. Burma (Mogok) yields pink spinels of intense colour, sometimes approaching ruby. Vietnam and Sri Lanka round out the supply with more limited production.

No — pink spinel is naturally untreated in the vast majority of cases. More than 95% of pink spinels on the market receive no heat treatment or chemical enhancement whatsoever. This is one of its greatest advantages over pink sapphire and a quality that particularly appeals to lovers of entirely natural stones. Bonnot Paris guarantees this untreated status for every pink spinel in its collection.

Yes — pink spinel makes an exceptional choice for an engagement ring. Its hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale ensures lasting durability and withstands daily wear without requiring a protective setting. Its rarity, which surpasses that of pink sapphire, makes it a particularly distinguished choice. Its colour evokes tenderness, gentle passion and refined commitment — and it remains a confidential alternative for those seeking true originality.

Pink spinel symbolises gentle passion, tenderness and renewal. Its colour calls to mind the dawn and the first stirrings of feeling. Crystal healers regard it as a stone of emotional calm and revitalisation, and it is traditionally associated with physical regeneration and well-being. Pink spinel carries a message that is at once passionate and delicate — making it an ideal stone to mark a loving commitment.