TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet

Espinela

Espinela is a mineral with formula MgAl₂O₄, in the Espinelas group. This specimen comes from Sierra de Mijas, Mijas, Málaga, Andalucía, España and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.

Espinela from Sierra de Mijas, Mijas, Málaga, Andalucía, España — Terrium

Description

Intense pink spinel octahedra (var. ruby) emerging from an oxidised, earthy limonite matrix with porous texture and ochre colour. Upward, sculptural arrangement. Clear fluorescence under UV light.

History of this specimen

Hand-collected by Diego Navarro, one of the leading Málaga spinel collectors. He found it on one of his many field trips in the Sierra de Mijas.

About Espinela

Spinel is a magnesium–aluminium oxide that crystallises in the cubic system. Its name derives from the Latin spina, 'thorn', after the shape of its crystals. For centuries it was mistaken for ruby, and many historic gems are actually spinel. It forms in contact metamorphic rocks, and its colours range from red to blue, with purples in between. In the Sierra de Mijas it occurs with limonite and, as in this piece, may show red fluorescence under UV light.

About the locality

The Sierra de Mijas is one of the few Spanish localities with crystallised spinels. They form in contact metamorphic environments and are usually associated with ferruginous matrices. Well-crystallised, fluorescent specimens are uncommon.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0339
Internal reference
T0011
Composition
MgAl₂O₄
Name
Espinela
Group
Espinelas
Category
Lucimera
Matrix
Matriz de limonita terrosa
Associations
Limonita
Mine
Sierra de Mijas
District / Municipality
Mijas
Province
Málaga
Region
Andalucía
Country
España
Size (cm)
4 x 3 x 2.5
Weight
21 g
Acquired
2025
Ex-collection
Diego Navarro
Etymology
From the Latin «spina», “thorn”, for the sharp form of its crystals.
Quality
Buena
Value trend
Estable

Related specimens

← Back to Terrium catalogue