mineral

Polished red/purple tourmaline

Elbaite tourmaline, complex borosilicate: Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Identified August 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Likely a cut and polished crystal with dark raspberry-red to purple color, vitreous luster, and elongated prismatic structure; tourmaline hardness is 7–7.5 Mohs, with indistinct cleavage and specific gravity about 3.0–3.3. The visible internal fractures and color zoning are typical, though image-only identification is not definitive.

Formation & geological history

Forms mainly in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites through late-stage hydrothermal crystallization, commonly during Precambrian to Mesozoic geological events. Important sources include Brazil, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, and the United States.

Uses & applications

Used as a gemstone, carving material, and mineral specimen; transparent saturated red material may be valuable in jewelry. Opaque or heavily fractured pieces are primarily collectible or ornamental.

Geological facts

Red elbaite is often called rubellite, especially when strongly saturated and gem quality. Tourmaline is piezoelectric and becomes electrically polarized when heated or compressed.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its trigonal elongated crystal form, longitudinal striations, strong color zoning, and lack of obvious cleavage; a refractometer, specific-gravity test, and spectroscopy can confirm it. Approximate value: $10–$50 for a common polished specimen, $100–$1,000+ for attractive gem-quality rubellite.