Rubellite's name derives from the color red.   Striking examples of both mineral specimen
and faceted gem both delight and wow the connoisseur.  With it's characteristic color spectrum,
Rubellite may be distinguished from either garnet, ruby, and spinel by eye.

     Rubellite is part of the Elbaite Group.  Elbaite forms in three different series, the: Elbaite-
Dravite Series, Elbaite- Series, and Elbaite-Schorl Series.  All of these are part of the
Tourmaline Group.

     It's chemistry is that of Rubellite with it's chemical formula: Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄.  
Note that Rubellite is both Lithium-rich and Iron- and Magnesium-poor.

     Also found in pegmatites and gem pockets, the red variety seems to be more prized than
the green these days.  Of course, it's up to you, which you prefer.  I like both!

     There are about a handful of superior gem-quality known localities worldwide, according to
the mindat.org database.  Of the eleven prime locales, three are in the western United States,
three in western Europe, and three are widely dispersed across Asia.  Two of my favorite are
western Maine and Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Rubellite Cruzeiro Mine, S. Jose de Safira, Minas Gerais, Brazil		Rubellite (ex. Zinn Collection) Alto Ligonha, Zambezia Province, Mozambique
Photos by and courtesy of Isaias Casanova ©2007, IC Minerals
Rubellite Pedeneira Mine, Sao Jose de Safira, Brazil		Rubellite Necklace, Nigeria
Pink Rubellite, Brazil		Rubellite, Brazil
Rubellite Pala, California		3-carat round Pink Rubellite Pendant Gem from Maine by John Toth Gems Setting by Henry Laskowski of Henry's Gems Photo by Ken Casey
Photos of gemstone specimens and multi-stone necklace above courtesy of Roger Weller, Cochise College
Oval cut Rubellite		Pink-red oval cut Rubellite
Trillion cut Rubellite		Cushion cut Rubellite
Cushion cut Rubellite		Fancy cut Pink Rubellite Tourmaline
Loose Gem photos by Jewelry Television ©2007

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Article Contributors

Photo & Graphics Credits

I would like to gratefully acknowledge the generous contributions of our fellow Rubellite
enthusiasts, collectors, authors, curators, professionals, and club members who made this
work possible.  Thanks.

Isaias Casanova, I C Minerals

Roger Weller, Geology Instructor, Cochise College

Jewelry Television

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