Rubelit/red tourmaline

Rubellite is a rare and highly prized red variety of tourmaline from the elbaite group. Its color ranges from pink to raspberry red to purple shades, which are caused by the presence of manganese (Mn) in the crystal structure.

Rubellites are mined mainly in Brazil, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Mozambique, with the most sought-after stones being those with a pure, deep red color and high transparency.

Due to its hardness of 7–7.5 Mohs and brilliance, rubellite is often used in jewelry, but it is also among the investment gemstones with increasing demand.

Main advantages:

natural red tourmaline (variety of elbaite)

color: pink to raspberry red, purple

origin: Brazil, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Mozambique

hardness: 7–7.5 Mohs – suitable for jewelry

use: luxury jewelry, investment stone, collecting

Mineralogical data:

chemical composition: Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄ with an admixture of Mn

group: tourmalines – elbaite

crystal system: trigonal

hardness: 7–7.5 Mohs

luster: vitreous

refractive index: 1.614–1.666

density: 3.0–3.1 g/cm³

Rubellite is one of the most sought-after color variants among tourmalines. Combined with investment potential and beautiful color, it is a gemstone prized by collectors and jewelers alike.