Spinel Vietnam

Spinel in Vietnam is top quality

Welcome to the fascinating world of Spinel gemstones in Vietnam!

As a sought-after gemstone, Spinel is found in various regions worldwide, including Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Myanmar, and Pakistan. However, Vietnam stands out as a prominent source for Spinel, with two major deposits: Luc Yen and Quy Chau. Since the 1990s, Luc Yen has emerged as a significant hub for high-quality rubies, red spinels, sapphires, and vivid blue spinels, gaining recognition in the gemstone market.

Gem Mines Location and Access

The Luc Yen district is located in Vietnam’s Yen Bai province, situated in the northern region of the country. If you’re planning to explore the blue Spinel mining sites in this district, you can easily access them with a five- to six-hour drive from Hanoi, covering a distance of approximately 160 kilometers. The mining sites, including Bai Gou, May Trung, Bai Son, Bah Linh Mot, Khe Khi, Kuoi Ngan, Khao Ka, Lung Thin, Lung Day, Khin Khang, and Chuong Tran, are all within a 20-kilometer radius of Yen The, the capital of Luc Yen. However, please note that reaching these mines usually involves several hours of walking or biking, adding to the adventure and excitement of your gemstone exploration.

Geology of Spinel and Corundum in Vietnam

To better understand the geological characteristics of Spinel and other gemstones in Vietnam, let’s delve into the fascinating geological landscape of the northern region. This area is predominantly composed of metamorphic rocks that formed as a result of the closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean and subsequent Himalayan orogeny. Extensive studies have been conducted to comprehend the effects of the continental collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates, which led to the deformation and metamorphism of various rock formations.

The gem deposits in the Luc Yen district are specifically situated in the Lo Gam zone, a geological unit formed by the superimposition of Himalayan orogenesis on preexisting Indosinian structures. Within this formation, you can find metamorphic rocks such as marble, gneiss, calc-silicates, micaschist, and amphibolite. Additionally, intrusions of granitic and pegmatitic dykes are observed. It’s worth noting that blue Spinel primarily occurs in a layer of marble over 500 meters thick, appearing as discontinuous lenses following the regional foliation. These marble lenses are particularly rich in forsterite and associated with minerals like calcite, pargasite, sulfides, and chlorites, creating a unique geological environment for the formation of Spinel gemstones.

Mining Gemstones in Vietnam

The gemstone mining industry in Luc Yen, Vietnam has experienced significant developments since its discovery in 1987. Over the past three decades, this area has emerged as a major producer of corundum, spinel, tourmaline, and other colored stones. Luc Yen district, located in the Yen Bai province, has become Vietnam’s most important hub for gemstone trading, attracting enthusiasts, traders, and collectors from around the world.

The Luc Yen mining district’s geological context is characterized by metamorphic belts associated with large-scale shear zones. Corundum deposits, including rubies and sapphires, are found in recrystallized marble units within the Red River shear zone. These primary deposits are disseminated within the marble, appearing as crystals or veinlets associated with various minerals. Moreover, secondary deposits known as placers are found in karst pockets and alluvial fans throughout the region, offering a diverse range of gem-quality materials.

Join us to visit this great area of Vietnam!

Vietnam is known for its diverse range of gemstones. Besides peridot, gemstones like sapphires, rubies, spinels, aquamarine, topaz, quartz crystals, tektite, and opal can also be found in the country. The gemstone mining industry in Vietnam is primarily concentrated in the town of Luc Yen, located in the northeast region of the country. This area is relatively rural and serves as a hub for gemstone extraction and trade.

Further Reading about Spinel in Vietnam

Spinels from Luc Yen, Vietnam

Vincent Pardieu report on Spinel