Spinells
Spinels are a group of oxide minerals that share a general formula of AB2O4, where A and B represent different metal cations. They are named for the distinctive spinel, a magnesium aluminum oxide (MgAl2O4), which is known for its brilliant red color. Spinels are characterized by their cubic crystal structure and are often found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. They are also a significant component in various industrial applications, including as abrasives, refractory materials, and in the production of ceramics.
The spinel structure consists of a close-packed array of oxygen ions with the A and B cations
Spinels are valued for their hardness, which ranges from 5.5 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale, and
In summary, spinels are a diverse group of oxide minerals with a cubic crystal structure, known for