Rubellite
About Rubelliteextended article
Rubellite is the pink-to-red gem variety of elbaite, the lithium-rich, sodium-bearing member of the tourmaline group. Its warm colour is produced chiefly by traces of manganese, and the finest stones show an intense, slightly purplish red that has long made rubellite one of the most desirable of all tourmalines.
Properties and identification
Like all tourmalines it crystallises in the trigonal system, typically as elongated prisms with rounded-triangular cross-sections and strong lengthwise striations. It is hard (7–7.5), has no cleavage, and is strongly pleochroic. Unlike most coloured tourmalines, true rubellite holds its red under both daylight and incandescent light.
Occurrence
Rubellite forms in granitic pegmatites alongside lepidolite, quartz and other tourmalines. Classic sources include Brazil (Minas Gerais), Madagascar, Nigeria, Mozambique and California. It is closely related to the other elbaite gem varieties — indicolite (blue) and verdelite (green).
Frequently asked questions
What is the chemical formula of Rubellite?
The chemical formula of Rubellite is Na(Li,Al)3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)4.
What crystal system does Rubellite belong to?
Rubellite crystallises in the Trigonal crystal system.
Is Rubellite rare?
As a collector mineral, Rubellite is generally considered rare.
References & databases
Mindat.org is the world’s largest open mineralogy database. Our descriptions are written independently and fact-checked.