Most of the spinels of a “ruby-red colour” are produced from alluvial deposits in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and other countries. Other countries where spinel is mined include: Afghanistan, Nepal, Tajikistan, Australia, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Tanzania. While August’s newly designated official birthstone is widely recognized in its deep red variety, spinel is also available in a wide range of colours. Pure spinel is colourless, but impurities give rise to a spectrum of choices, from peach, pink and red to green, blue and purple.