Description and properties of the mineral
Rubellite is a pink tourmaline. The name is translated from Latin as “reddish”. The color range includes fifty shades created by an admixture of manganese.
The crystals are elongated, triangular in diameter with rounded corners. Natural stone occurs as a single formation or drusy accretions (radial and needle-shaped).
He gave the name to the gem and first described its properties in 1794 by the Irish naturalist and mineral lover Richard Kirwan.
Transparent, shiny rubellite is considered a class 2 gemstone. Cloudy, matte specimens are used as semi-precious or ornamental. Other names are siberite, daurite, apyrite, red tourmaline.
Physics and chemistry of the tourmaline family
Rubellite is a type of tourmaline.
The chemical formula of the mineral is Na(Li,Al)3Al6[(OH)4.
A little about tourmaline - an interesting and very attractive stone both from the point of view of jewelry lovers and from the point of view of serious husbands. It's about his amazing qualities. Judge for yourself.
Formula | Na(Li,Al)3Al6[(OH)4|(BO3)Si6O18] |
Color | Pink, red, dark red |
Stroke color | White |
Shine | Glass |
Hardness | 7—7,5 |
Cleavage | Absent |
Density | 2.90—3.26 g/cm³ |
singonia | Trigonal |
Tourmalines have:
- Pleochroism (one of the most distinct among gems).
- Luminescence (not all, brown, blue, green and pink do not have it).
- Dispersion (splitting a beam of light in the body of a stone). We value many gems for their dispersion, and the champion in this is diamond.
- The colors of tourmaline are also amazing. Polychrome (two-color) is a rarity among gems. Pink-green crystals are found in South Africa and Brazil.
- Polarization of light.
- Pyro- and piezoelectric properties.
So these crystals are important not only for jewelry lovers. This bouquet of properties is happily used in various industries.
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This is such an amazing mineral. Tourmaline can be an ornamental stone or a precious one. It all depends on the color and transparency of the crystal.
Varieties of tourmalines
There are several of them, but gemologists consider the main ones:
- elbaite;
- schorl;
- drags;
- Liddicoatite.
Rubellite also belongs to the elbaite variety. And besides it, verdelite (“Brazilian emerald”), blue indigolite, colorless achroite.
The characteristics (colors and shades, shine, transparency) of all types of elbaite allow them to be used in jewelry.
Mineral rubellite
Colors. Delightful - pink, pale and bright; red as a windy sunset; dark red to burgundy; crimson, fuchsia, violet... The color of the stone is provided by manganese (the more of it in the stone, the darker and more saturated the gem).
Hardness 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale. It’s quite suitable for cutting, but... Inclusions are often found in rubellites, but here you can’t get the cut you want.
Ring with rubellite
Rubellites with inclusions are usually cut into cabochons. There is nothing wrong with this, and the cabochon will perfectly reveal and show the richness of the color of the stone.
If the color is combined with the transparency of the crystal, then it has no price. I mean, not everyone can afford it.
The story of “almost a ruby”
It is believed that pink tourmaline has been known almost since the Stone Age. It has been established that the gem from watermelon tourmaline was obtained by Alexander the Great during his campaign to the East. Cleopatra owned the magnificent gem. Chinese court dignitaries decorated their outfits with rubellite plates.
European medieval rulers did not appreciate the precious stone, unlike the Russians. True, the latter considered the gem a ruby. The most famous examples are a bunch of grapes given by the King of Sweden to Catherine II, a pink spinel from the crown of Anna Ioannovna, and gems on the crowns of the Romanov dynasty.
The best examples of rubellite are outwardly indistinguishable from rubies - the stones of the first row. As Professor Bauer, the author of a fundamental work on mineralogy, noted, even for an expert it is visually difficult to distinguish them.
Errors and oddities occurred until the 20th century, when the latest research brought clarity. Tourmalines, including pink ones, are endowed with strong pleochroism, that is, they split the ray passing through them into two colors. Ruby gives a pure red glow.
Magic properties
The planet Venus is the patroness of magnificent rubellite. Thanks to the magical charms that the mineral is endowed with, it has the fate of an amulet that preserves love. The energetic power of the gem helps a person get rid of problems in his personal life, obvious and carefully veiled in the mind.
The magic stone rubellite frees you from fears and anxieties that block you and prevent you from opening up and moving towards your happiness. A talisman with a gem will strengthen existing feelings or revive those that are in danger of breaking up.
With the help of the amulet, it will be possible to restore the broken trust between lovers, and it will also be possible to avoid the interference of the “third wheel” in a successful relationship.
The magic of the stone will warm cooling feelings, adding tenderness and romanticism, making them glow. Those who have failed in love, with the help of the amulet, will easily survive disappointment and again revive hope, faith in love and in a happy personal life.
The stone will help you believe in yourself, provoke in a person the desire to breathe life to the fullest, to discover a new person in yourself, unknown to yourself and others.
In addition to the ability to help in matters of the heart, the vibrations of the stone organize all his powers in a person and direct him to solving personal problems, help identify complexes and get rid of them.
Often unrealized energy pushes a person to action, but, unfortunately, not everyone can correctly decipher this impulse. A precious amulet will tell you the right direction where you should move in order to reveal your talent and correctly distribute your potential.
Also read: Rhodolite - a gemstone for newlyweds
Where is the gem mined?
Deposits of rubellite have been explored all over the planet. Large purple-pink crystals from Brazil are recognized as leaders in quality and beauty.
Africa is close on the heels of the “Brazilian rubies”, but pink gems from Namibia, Mozambique and Madagascar are inferior in saturation. Rubellite was found in the USA, India, Eastern Europe, Italy, Germany, and Sri Lanka.
In Russia, the exploration of the subsoil of the Urals was “blessed” by Peter I. Today, these tourmaline mines are practically exhausted, they have been replaced by rich veins of Transbaikalia.
Varieties
There are several types of rubellite based on its color. A red stone with a lilac, violet or cherry tint is called siberite. It is this variety that is most valued and costs more.
The pink color of the mineral is due to an admixture of manganese. If its content is high, then the color can be deep crimson. This type of rubellite is called daurite.
A ruby-colored stone called crimson scorl is prized. If the mineral has a blood-red hue, then it is apyrite.
If the stone is transparent, then it is assigned class 2. This is what jewelers use.
Gems first found on the island of Elbe are included in a separate category. These stones are called elbaites. Deposits on the Elbe have been exhausted, but a mineral of this color is found in the Urals, Madagascar, Brazil, the USA, and Mozambique.
Jewelry stone rubellite
For jewelry, clean, transparent, faceted crystals are used. They are given a classic diamond, step, table cut or fancy shapes. Opaque specimens become beads, links of bracelets or cabochons, and are used for decorative items.
The most expensive rubellite is red or bright pink, rich in color. Gems of delicate tones are considered feminine. Darker crystal jewelry can be worn by men. Rubellite is most beautiful in natural light, which is why it is considered a daystone. The price of an ordinary specimen is $27–55 per carat.
The magic of rubellite jewelry
Jewelry with pink tourmaline, in which the gem is in contact with the body, makes the stone a talisman and amulet:
- a bracelet or beads will help a person who has experienced stress or nervous shock to recover;
- rubellite earrings will relieve headaches;
- for those suffering from insomnia and nightmares, a pebble placed under the pillow will help;
- a ring on the left index finger will make the search for a soulmate successful or establish peace in the family.
Jewelry with bright, rich rubellite set in gold is the most powerful. Silver is not prohibited either.
However, long-term wearing of jewelry with tourmaline is contraindicated for idealists. Even a small pendant can create “rose-colored glasses” that will tear the owner away from reality.
Magical properties of the gem
It is traditionally believed that red and pink stones influence relationships between people, plans, and the creative sphere:
- help to follow the beaten path and open new paths, awaken the hidden talents of the owner;
- a person is self-confident, clearly sets goals, quickly finds ways to achieve them;
- are able to calm mental storms and extinguish anxiety, therefore it is suitable as a sedative for restless people;
- improve family affairs;
- assistants to anyone who finds themselves in a difficult life situation and needs advice or compassion;
- restore mental balance.
The magical properties of the stone protect against external negativity such as slander, the evil eye or witchcraft. The gem makes the owner charismatic, so its meaning is especially important for public figures. Among those who are suitable for the energy of rubellite are creative or extraordinary individuals.
Meditation over the stone replenishes vitality, resets tension and recharges with light energy. The stone is held at chest level, imagining how pink light envelops the body.
According to Feng Shui, rubellite is associated with the element of Fire. A crystal placed in the southern segment of a home or office brings peace, coherence, and abundance.
The healing effects of pink crystals
Rubellite combines the healing properties inherent in the tourmaline family. Scientists have found that the problem is the electromagnetic radiation of the mineral. It creates a protective field around a person. If possible, it is better to select specimens of a certain shade.
- Crimson or deep red, that is, dark tones of the stone stimulate the body physically. Useful for metabolism, heart function, digestive organs, kidneys, lungs, endocrine system, blood vessels.
- Light shades are calming, so such stones are prescribed for unmotivated fears, absent-mindedness, overexertion, apathy or other emotional problems.
Rubellite helps the body as a whole to cleanse, renew itself and activate mental activity. Suitable for those who want to develop memory and increase concentration.
Pink tourmaline is a stone of beauty. Heals the skin, reduces wrinkles and removes acne.
Compatibility with other stones
The meaning of the stone in this regard is Fire, but due to some properties it is not compatible with the fire garnet - except for its green subspecies.
Earrings with pink tourmaline and ruby
Rubellite goes well with:
- with ruby;
- diamond;
- coral;
- heliodor;
- grossular;
- amber;
- spinel.
Its properties will be enhanced by the company of the Air mineral - green demantoid and uvarovite garnets, various quartz - from rock crystal to amethyst, other types of tourmaline, except blue indigolite, as well as chrysolite and chrysoprase.
A combination with Earth - any opaque stones, primarily malachite, azurite, chrysocolla, turquoise and jasper - will be neutral, not good, but not bad either.
Gold ring with pink tourmaline and malachite
It is unacceptable to wear pink tourmaline simultaneously with Water stones, as well as minerals of the “double element” - Water and Earth, Water and Air.
Among them:
- emerald;
- sapphire;
- alexandrite;
- indigolite;
- aventurine;
- zircon;
- melanitis.
How to distinguish rubellite from a fake
It is impossible to obtain pink rubellite by heat treatment - when heated, the stone will become almost transparent, wine-colored or brown. Therefore, this shade of crystal is guaranteed to be natural.
However, they are trying to replace it with synthetic analogues. To find out the origin, the sample is tested for scratching and light:
- It is impossible to damage rubellite with a knife;
- in strong artificial light, the pink stone turns brownish. If such a shade does not appear, it is synthetic.
They can be distinguished from glass by holding it in their hands. The glass will heat up immediately.
Who is the pink gem suitable for according to the zodiac?
According to the signs of the Zodiac, rubellite is the stone of Air. This is a Libra amulet. Having such a talisman, they can start any business - creating a family, business or home will be successful. A ring on the index or middle finger of the left hand will make men more confident and purposeful; any piece of jewelry will suit ladies. It will enhance beauty, make the owner younger and neutralize enemies.
The value of the stone will be appreciated by other air signs - Aquarius and Gemini. Rubellite will not harm the rest of the inhabitants of the Zodiac circle.
Rubellite and zodiac sign
The properties of rubellite are most fully revealed for men of the zodiac sign Libra, who wear a ring with a gem.
It brings them courage, boldness, resilience and self-confidence. For Scorpio, rubellite will help transform excess sexual energy into other channels. In addition, astrologers recommend products with rubellites for Leo, Sagittarius, and Capricorn. In any case, the owner of such jewelry must have a high reserve of internal strength so that the gem does not harm him.
Stone care rules
Rubellite shares energy with the owner, absorbs negativity, and therefore requires special procedures.
There are several ways to cleanse yourself of negativity:
- put the crystal overnight in silver or holy water;
- hold under running water;
- pass over the candle flame.
Silver water is obtained by dipping a silver item into a container for a day. The simplest effective way is to expose the stone or jewelry to the sun. It will immediately recharge and remove negative energy. Clean from physical pollution with soap every three months or as needed.
Rubellite is a stone of calm and balance, a symbol of the pursuit of perfection. It brings or revives love, abundance, joyful spirit. They say it can make the owner's wishes come true. The cost of the stone will not allow everyone to purchase a pink set, but one rubellite product in a box is possible.