gemstone

Red tourmaline (rubellite), faceted gemstone

Elbaite, a lithium-bearing tourmaline; Na(Li₁.₅Al₁.₅)Al₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃(OH)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 7–7.5; red to pink, vitreous luster, trigonal crystals, and poor basal cleavage. The image shows a faceted, elongated oval stone; color zoning or reflections may account for the dark and bright-red bands.

Identified October 11, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Red tourmaline (rubellite), faceted gemstone
Scientific name: Elbaite, a lithium-bearing tourmaline; Na(Li₁.₅Al₁.₅)Al₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃(OH)
Category: gemstone
Identified: October 11, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $20–$500+ for a small faceted stone, with quality, treatment, origin, and verified identity strongly affecting price.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Typically crystallizes in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites and sometimes metamorphic rocks; its age depends on the deposit, commonly millions to billions of years.

Uses & applications

Cut for jewelry and collected as a colored tourmaline; tourmaline also has limited use in pressure and temperature sensors.

Geological facts

Red tourmaline is commonly called rubellite, though gem specialists reserve that name for stones that remain red under different lighting.

Field identification & locations

Tourmaline occurs in Brazil, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Mozambique, and the United States. Identification requires gemological testing; appearance alone cannot confirm species or natural versus synthetic origin.