Lab-created spinel also called synthetic blue spinel(MgAL2O4), is produced using the Flux-grown or Flame-fusion method with a 1:1 ratio of magnesia and alumina. These lab-created blue spinels are exact copies of their naturally occurring counterparts. It was accidentally found when scientists attempted to synthetized created corundum in a variety of pleasing colors.

Since the 1980s, Flux-grown synthetic blue spinel has been commercially available to manufacture true spinels with a 1:1 ratio of magnesia and alumina, and testing shows identical RI’s, SG’s, and polariscope reactions. So lab-created blue spinel is an exact copy of their natural counterparts.

Lab-created/synthetic spinels are synthesized, so synthetic spinel’s value & price is much lower than that of natural counterpart. But natural spinel’s supply is somehow limited, which contributes to its rarity.