An acoustic wave device that includes a spinel layer, a piezoelectric layer, a temperature compensating layer between the spinel layer and the piezoelectric layer and an interdigital transducer electrode on the piezoelectric layer is disclosed. The piezoelectric layer is disposed between the interdigital transducer electrode and the spinel layer. The acoustic wave device is configured to generate an acoustic wave having a wavelength of λ. The piezoelectric layer can have a thickness that is less than λ. In some embodiments, the spinel layer can be a polycrystalline spinel layer.