Rubellite
A Ruby is a precious stone whereas the Rubellite is a rare gemstone.
Rubellite Description
The rubellite is a multifaceted gemstone with a color range from tender dramatic pink to ambivalent violet and crimson red. It is highly prized and priced due to its rarity and unique beauty.
The rubellite is a transparent gemstone from the colorful family of the tourmalines. Its color can vary from red to violet to pale and dramatic pink. Its name comes from the Latin word “rubellus” which means reddish. It is the most prized and expensive member of the tourmaline family because of its beauty and rarity.
Rubellites are one of the few stones, where the presence of inclusions is actually a benefit. Mainly found in Brazil, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria and Pakistan, a genuine rubellite does not change its color depending on the light source. Because of its deep rich color, the gem is compared to the magnificent ruby, but the difference between a ruby and a rubellite lies in the structure and intensity of color. Rubies have a higher density and a richer red undertone, but rubellites are rarer. That makes them more expensive as well.
Another striking quality of the red tourmaline is that it’s pyroelectric, which means that upon heating the stone becomes electrically charged. It can be cut in several ways, but in keeping with the intensity of the color. Due to its crystal structure, most rubellite stones are imperfect to some degree.
Rubellite Tourmalines are available in any cutting and style and they make for beautiful rubellite ring compositions together with other precious stones. High quality natural red tourmalines are increasing in value and popularity. The tone of the gem is of great importance as it determines whether it can be classified as a rubellite – most pink tourmalines aren’t saturated enough in tone or color to qualify.
INFORMATION
MINERAL: Tourmaline
CHEMISTRY:
Elbaite Na(Li1.5,Al1.5)Al6Si6O18(BO3)3(OH)4
Dravite NaMg3Al6Si6O18(BO3)3(OH)4
Liddicoatite Ca(Li2Al)Al6Si6O18(BO3)3(OH)3F
Chromedravite NaMg3Cr6Si6O18(BO3)3(OH)4
COLOR: All colors
REFRACTIVE INDEX: 1.624 to 1.644
BIREFRINGENCE: 0.018 to 0.040
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 3.06 (+0.20, -0.06)
MOHS HARDNESS: 7 to 7.5
