Information about Rubellite

Rubellite is a vibrant pink to red variety of the tourmaline group, renowned for its deep raspberry to ruby-red hues.

It forms as elongated prismatic crystals often exhibiting vertical striations, and it may also occur in massive or radiating aggregates. The colour is primarily due to manganese content, and can range from soft pink to intense reddish-purple, sometimes with zoning or cloudiness.

Transparent and well-formed specimens are highly valued as gemstones, especially when cut into faceted stones or cabochons.

Rubellite is prized in the gem and jewellery industry due to its bold colour and relative durability. It is commonly used in rings, pendants, earrings, and collector pieces, both in raw and polished form. High-quality gems can rival the appearance of rubies, making them a sought-after and more affordable alternative.

Uses and History

Rubellite has been used in gem cutting for centuries, with historical mines located in Brazil, Madagascar, and Afghanistan. The name derives from the Latin “rubellus”, meaning “reddish”, highlighting its distinctive colour.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Rubellite was often mistaken for ruby and adorned in European royal jewellery. Modern sources include Brazil, Mozambique, Nigeria, and the USA.

Mineralogy

Hazards and Warnings

Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis. When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

Translations

Further Reading / External Links

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubellite
• https://www.gemsociety.org/article/rubellite-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/
• https://www.mindat.org/min-3472.html