Rubilite gets its name from the Latin ruber, meaning “red.” Its color ranges from raspberry red and rose to deep pinkish-red, sometimes with a slight purple hue. Unlike some red gemstones, true rubilite retains its rich color in both natural and artificial light.

Key characteristics:

• Mineral family: Tourmaline (borosilicate)

• Color: Red to purplish-red, pinkish-red

• Hardness: 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale

• Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

• Transparency: Transparent to translucent

• Crystal system: Trigonal

Sources:

Major deposits are found in Brazil, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, and the United States (California).

Uses & value:

Rubilite is widely used in fine jewelry. Stones with deep, saturated red color and good clarity can be very valuable, sometimes rivaling rubies in appearance, though they are a distinct gemstone.