Spinel is a mineral oxide of magnesium and aluminum. Its name comes from the sharp ends of its crystals which are reminiscent of thorns (spina in latin). It is a common mineral, formed at high temperatures as a complementary mineral in magmatic rocks, mainly basalts, kimberlites, peridotites and xenoliths. It also occurs in metamorphosed aluminum-rich schists and in contact metamorphosed limestones.
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