gemstone
Rubellite Tourmaline
Elbaite Tourmaline, Na(Li1.5Al1.5)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH)
Hardness 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, pink to red color, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, indistinct cleavage, specific gravity of 3.06
Identified More gemstone →
Explore Rubellite Tourmaline in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, pink to red color, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, indistinct cleavage, specific gravity of 3.06
Formation & geological history
Formed in granitic pegmatites, which are late-stage crystallizations of magma, allowing large crystals to form. Can also be found in some metamorphic rocks. Age varies greatly depending on the deposit.
Uses & applications
Very popular as a gemstone for jewelry, due to its beautiful pink/red color and good hardness. Also highly prized by mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Rubellite is the pink to red variety of tourmaline. The color is often due to the presence of manganese but can also be influenced by radiation. In the past, rubellite has been confused with ruby. Not all pink tourmaline is considered rubellite; stones must hold their vibrant color under different lighting conditions to earn the name.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinct trigonal crystal habit (often with vertical striations, as seen here), strongly dichroic nature, and hardness. Common in Brazil, Madagascar, USA (California, Maine), and Afghanistan.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond
ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)
gemstone
Black Opal Ring (Carved Opal)
Hydrated Silicon Dioxide (SiO2·nH2O)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary
Cubic Zirconia (or possibly Diamond)
Zirconium dioxide (or Carbon)
gemstone