The facts
What rubellite actually is
The species behind rubellite is elbaite tourmaline, Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄; it forms in the trigonal system.
Manganese, chiefly Mn³⁺ is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 1.620–1.640 and a specific gravity of about 3.01–3.11, with indistinct cleavage.
Where rubellite comes from
Commercial material comes from Minas Gerais, Brazil, Nigeria, Mozambique and Madagascar.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How rubellite is treated
Heating and irradiation are both common and both undetectable. The LMHC lists tourmaline among materials whose colour origin cannot be determined.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What rubellite is confused with
Watch for Ruby, Red spinel and Pink topaz — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.620–1.640 and specific gravity 3.01–3.11 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What rubellite is used for
The trades that buy rubellite are jewellery and mineral collecting. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat or by the specimen.
Durability and care
Rubellite is 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale, with indistinct cleavage.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What rubellite costs
Expect roughly $50–2,000/ct, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is rubellite treated, and how?
Heating and irradiation are both common and both undetectable. The LMHC lists tourmaline among materials whose colour origin cannot be determined.
Where does rubellite come from?
Minas Gerais, Brazil, Nigeria, Mozambique and Madagascar. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is rubellite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does rubellite cost?
Indicatively $50–2,000/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is rubellite confused with?
Most often Ruby, Red spinel and Pink topaz. A refractive index of 1.620–1.640 and a specific gravity near 3.01–3.11 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for rubellite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about rubellite