Cobalt Spinel is a captivating gemstone taking the gem market by storm. Here’s what makes it special:

A Rare Find:

• Unlike common gemstones, Cobalt Spinel is exceptionally rare, especially in Sri Lanka. It’s primarily found in the Okkampitiya area, far from the famous Ratnapura mines.

Recent Discovery:

• Until the 1990s, Cobalt Spinel was often mistaken for synthetic gemstones. But thanks to gemologist Dr. Dunil Palitha Gunasekara, it was finally recognized as a unique natural gem.

Highly Valued:

• This rarity makes Cobalt Spinel highly sought-after by collectors worldwide, fetching premium prices. The largest known specimen once belonged to Mr. Nimal Pathirana, a renowned gem merchant.

Electric Blue Beauty:

• The key to its stunning color is cobalt (Co), a rare element in gemstones. This cobalt creates an intense, vibrant blue called “electric blue.”

Chemical Makeup:

• Classified as an oxide mineral, Cobalt Spinel primarily consists of magnesium (Mg), silicon (Si), and oxygen (O). The presence of cobalt sets it apart.

Crystal Structure and Hardness:

• Cobalt Spinel boasts a bipyramidal crystal structure, a subtype of the cubic structure found in gemstones like quartz. It’s exceptionally hard, ranking between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale.

Identifying Cobalt Spinel:

• Identifying this gem requires specialized tools. The Chelsea color filter and spectrometry are crucial. Natural Cobalt Spinel will show a slight red tint when viewed through the filter.

Differentiating from Synthetics:

• While some synthetic blue gems may contain cobalt and appear red under the filter, electron microscopy can definitively distinguish natural from artificial stones. Spectrometry also helps confirm the presence of cobalt.

Where to Find It:

• While Sri Lanka is a primary source, Cobalt Spinel can also be found in Madagascar and Burma.

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