Introduction: Spinel crystals are sharp, pointed and octahedral and so called from the Latin word, spina, meaning 'thorn'. Colours vary and can be beige, pink, red, green or dark blue.
Distribution: Close to Rössing and on the farm Okahua about 30km south of Otjiwarongo
Composition: Oxide
Crystal system: Cubic
Lustre: Vitreous to dull
Streak: White
Hardness: 7.5-8