Although it has a similar derivation and color to the costly gemstone ruby, rubellite is a semi-precious gemstone. When it comes to names, rubellite can be spelled as pyrite, aphrodite, and red school; nevertheless, red school is typically associated with rutile.

Rubellite, a tourmaline gemstone, is a gem for the eighth wedding anniversary, the October birthstone, and the stone of the sign of Libra. Rubellite is a star stone for the sun and expressly marks the fifth anniversary.

Because of its likeness to ruby, the crystal is a less expensive option for gifts commemorating 40 years of marriage or as a July birthstone.

In this blog post, we will exclusively understand what is a rubellite.

The Background Of Rubellite

Similar to other kinds of Tourmaline, Rubellite has historically been mistaken for Ruby or even Sapphire. This gem was eventually found to be the "ruby" jewelry that Peter the Great (1672–1725) allegedly had commissioned for the Russian Imperial Court.

THE COMPOSITION OF RUBELLITE

This tourmaline crystal, a member of the tourmaline family, gets its purplish-red color from manganese. The deeper the tone and saturation, the more manganese there is.

RUBELLITE PROPERTIES

Like Ruby, rubellite is doubly refractive, and tourmaline is the most dichroic (two-colored) gemstone due to its high pleochroic nature. This indicates that there are two colors (primary and secondary) in every tourmaline stone, and the strength of each color varies depending on the viewpoint. Usually, finished rubellites feature secondary purples or pinks mixed with primary pure reds. Purplish-red rubellites are more widely available, while pure-red rubellites are more highly prized.

As a Type III gemstone, rubellites usually develop with many inclusions in their natural form.

RUBELLITE FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

The mineral rubellite belongs to the group of sodium aluminum lithium borosilicates known as the tourmaline series elbaite. Elbaites are the most diverse category and have the highest concentration of gem-quality variations. Indicolite, Paraiba, and Chrome tourmalines are some other Elbaite tourmalines.

Sometimes rubellites are classified as either olenite, a high aluminum series that forms a series with schorl (black tourmaline) and elbaite, or liddicoatite, a rare series that resembles elbaite but contains calcium instead of sodium. On the other hand, elbaite tourmalines make up the bulk of rubellites.

As was previously indicated, certain gemologists can distinguish between rubellite and pink tourmaline. Rubellite and pink tourmaline are generally thought to differ in that rubellite has a far more vibrant hue.

The remaining characteristics of rubellite are listed below:

Mohs hardness: 7.5 to 7.
Color: Mostly intense pink and red tones; occasionally violet, brownish, or orange-red
Crystal structure: Hexagonal crystal structure (trigonal)
Luster: Vitreous (glassy) luster
Transparency: From clear to obscure

Index of refraction: 1.619–1.655
Density: 3.01–3.06
Cleavage: No cleavage
Fracture: irregular or uneven, or conchoidal

Streak: White Streak
Luminescence: Weak, occasionally occurring fluorescence that ranges from red to violet in SW-UV and LW-UV
Pleochroism: Colorless to medium pink/light pink or pinkish-red to dark red.
Indistinctness: 0.014-0.040

Dispersion: modest, at 0.017
Optical effects: sometimes color shift and chatoyancy.

Now that we have discussed mineralogy, let's look at the spiritual significance of rubellite.

TOURMALINE BENEFITS: HEALING PROPERTIES OF RUBELLITE

Because of their energies and colors, all gemstones, including rubellite, have the potential to be healing stones. Like other red gemstones, rubellite naturally increases vigor, desire, and motivation.

TOURMALINE BENEFITS: PHYSICAL HEALING

Cardiac issues
Circulation of blood
Depression
Synchronization between hands and eyes
Digestive problems

TOURMALINE BENEFITS: EMOTIONAL HEALING

Rubellite might be helpful if you feel that your excitement has been replaced by self-doubt or indifference. It is stated that this gem will restore your vigor, drive, and sense of direction.

Rubellite is also said to assist people in getting over adversity or tragedy in finding the motivation to keep moving forward.

This tourmaline crystal is typically suggested by crystal healers to promote more bravery, acceptance, and self-assurance.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE OF RUBELLITE

This tourmaline crystal is strong enough for daily use. However, if you wear a more delicate rubellite tourmaline ring frequently, you might want to consider adding protective settings (like an engagement ring).

Having said that, rubellites that have had a lot of inclusions or filling treatments are more brittle. Steer clear of mechanical cleaning solutions (such as steam or ultrasonic ones) as these stones are more prone to breaking and are sensitive to heat.

Rubellites that have been treated with heat and/or radiation are not as delicate as those that have been filled, oiled, or colored.

In general, avoid the following with your rubellite:

Extreme heat, including being stored in the sun
Abrupt variations in temperature
Dangerous substances
Use a gentle toothbrush, warm water, and a small amount of soap to clean rubellite. Keep it apart from other jewels.

CONCLUSION

Rubellite is a romantic reddish-pink tourmaline gemstone type that is highly sought after. Despite being distinct stones, tourmaline and rubies are frequently linked. But rubellite is recognized for its reddish-brown tones. With such an extensive range of red tourmalines available at Cabochons For Sale, we have something to fit every need.

What Is Rubellite Tourmaline