Welcome to SuchenGems!

Rubellite is the red or pink variety of the gemstone elbaite, which is a member of the tourmaline family. It is a complex silicate mineral, and its red and pink hues are caused by manganese. Rubellite is often distinguished from other pink or red tourmalines by its deeper, more saturated color that does not look brownish in artificial light, and it typically contains inclusions.

• Color: Ranges from pink to red, sometimes with violet tints. The most valuable stones are a ruby-like red.

• Composition: It is a variety of elbaite, a complex silicate mineral with high concentrations of aluminum and iron, which contributes to its color.

• Properties:

  • Dichroism: Like other tourmalines, it shows two different colors depending on the viewing angle.

  • Inclusions: Rubellite often has inclusions, and stones with fewer inclusions are more valuable.

  • Hardness: 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale.

• Origin: Major deposits are found in countries like Mozambique, Nigeria, Brazil, Madagascar, and Pakistan.

• Distinctions:

  • It is a commercial name for red and pink tourmalines.

  • A true rubellite has a deeper and more saturated color than pink tourmaline and doesn't turn brownish under artificial light.