Spinel is one of nature’s most vivacious show‑stoppers: a single mineral that presents nearly every color of the rainbow, from fiery reds to cool blues, pastels and even charcoal grays. In 2016 Spinel was added as an official birthstone for August as declared by AGTA (American Gem Trade Association) and Jewelers of America (JA). Whether you’re a gem‑nerd or just someone who appreciates a splash of color, spinel has something to dazzle you. Let’s dive into its many hues—where they’re found, what gives them their distinctive shades (in simple terms), and the catchy trade names they sometimes go by. We’ll also cover the alternate names for spinel, what other gems it can masquerade…