Description :

Spinel mining is a process used to extract the mineral spinel, a gemstone composed of magnesium aluminum oxide (MgAl2O4). The mineral is found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, as well as in sedimentary deposits. It is usually mined by open-pit or underground methods, depending on the size and grade of the deposit. Spinel is a valuable gemstone and is used in jewelry, decorative items, and industrial applications. It is also used in the production of optical instruments and lenses. The most common color of spinel is red, but it can also be found in shades of pink, blue, green, purple, yellow, and black. It is typically found in sizes ranging from 1 to 10 millimeters in diameter.

The first step in spinel mining is the exploration phase, where geologists and other specialists study the area to determine the size and quality of the deposit. This includes analyzing the rock types, structures, and mineral content of the area. They also use various geophysical methods such as seismic surveys, gravity surveys, and magnetic surveys to determine the size and shape of the deposit. Once the area has been explored and the size and quality of the deposit have been determined, the next step is to prepare the site for mining. This includes removing any overburden (soil and rocks on top of the deposit), setting up access roads, and constructing a mining camp. The actual mining process involves drilling and blasting to break up the rock, and then the ore is extracted using either open-pit or underground mining methods. In open-pit mining, the ore is removed from the surface, while in underground mining, tunnels are dug to access the ore. The ore is then transported to the surface for processing.

WHERE DO THEY FORM SPINEL :

Spinel mining is the process of extracting spinel, a gemstone, from the ground. Spinel is a hard, crystalline mineral that is usually found in igneous rocks such as basalt, gabbro, and peridotite. It is also found in metamorphic rocks such as marble, schist, and serpentinite. Spinel is composed of magnesium aluminum oxide and can be found in a variety of colors, including red, blue, green, yellow, and black. Spinel mining is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and knowledge. The first step in the process is to locate an area with potential spinel deposits. This can be done through geological surveys, aerial surveys, and ground sampling. Once a potential site is identified, a prospector will need to obtain a mining license and begin the process of extracting the spinel.

TYPES OF SPINEL :

Spinel mining is the process of extracting spinel, a mineral composed of magnesium aluminium oxide, from the earth. Spinel is a valuable resource that is used in the production of a variety of products, including jewelry, electronics, and industrial components. The mining of spinel is a complex process that involves a variety of techniques and equipment.

Physical Properties :

Its hardness is 8, its specific gravity is 3.4-4.1 and it is transparent to opaque with a vitreous to dull lustre. It may be colorless, but is usually various shades of red, green, blue, yellow, brown or black. Some spinels are among the most famous gemstones: Among them is the Black Prince's Ruby and the 'Timur ruby' in the British Crown Jewels, and the 'cote de Bretagne' formerly from the French Crown jewels. The Samarian Spinel is the largest known spinel in the world, weighing 500 carats (100 g). The transparent red spinels were called spinel-rubies or balas-rubies. In the past, before the arrival of modern science, spinels and rubies were equally known as rubies. After the 18th century the word ruby was only used for the red gem variety of the mineral corundum and the word spinel became used.The ancient name for Badakhshan, a region in central Asia resided in the upper valley of the Kokcha River, one of the principal tributaries of the Oxus River. The Badakshan province was for centuries the main source for red and pink spinels.

Natural Occurrence :

Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma and Afghanistan.

Available Colors :

Red, pink, violet, blue, green, aqua, orange, yellow, brown, and black. Rarely white or colorless.