Rubellite Tourmaline

Rubellite_oval_13.0x10.7mm_5.26cts

Reminiscent of ruby!

Rubellite Tourmalines have a wide range of colors. Pinkish-red, purplish-red, orangey-red and brownish-red gems can all be termed ‘Rubellite’. Tones usually range from medium to dark.

Tourmalines are part of a family of closely related mineral species with the same crystal structure but with different chemical and physical properties.

Rubellite Tourmalines are Elbaites and the trace element manganese can be responsible for their color. Some Rubellites owe their hue to color centers caused by radiation.

Since Tourmaline grows in long crystals referred to as “pencils” they are frequently cut as elongated emerald cuts that are perfect for pendants, earrings and even some rings.

Tourmalines are found in many different locations around the world including Brazil, Nigeria, Mozambique, USA (California, Maine), Congo, Tanzania, and has one of the widest color ranges found in gemstones.

Tourmaline is one of the birthstones for October and celebrates the 8th Anniversary.

Lots of choice in colors for October birthdays!

We have many more colors, shapes and sizes available in Rubellite Tourmaline – please contact us if you don’t find what you are looking for in our online inventory.

click here to see a selection of Rubellite Tourmaline for sale

Colors

red 

open red 

dark red

medium pinkish-red

peachy-red 

orangey-red

brownish-red

Family/Species

Tourmaline, Elbaite

Properties

RI = 1.624 (+/-0.005) – 1.644 (+/-0.006) DR

SG = 3.06 (-0.05, +0.15)

Dispersion = 0.017

Hardness = 7-7.5

suitable for use in jewelry

Pyroelectric – becomes electrically charged when heated
Piezoelectric – becomes electrically charged when squeezed
Many modern higher-end hair dryer use Tourmalines in them to prevent static!

Treatments

Natural, Heated

Elbaite gems can be 100% natural with no treatments or enhancements, or heated, or irradiated and heated

see policy on Treatment Disclosure

Important information

Usually colored by Manganese, but also by color centers within the crystal
structure

Usually has small inclusions, which are acceptable as long as they don’t detract from the overall beauty of the gem

Birthstone

October

Anniversary

8th

Cuts

Calibrated sizes up to 6mm
All standard cuts
and free sizes

Mining locations

Brazil, Nigeria, Mozambique, Zambia, Afghanistan, USA, and other localities worldwide