Rubellite (Rubylite) is a red, reddish-purple, or pink variety of elbaite which is in the tourmaline group of minerals. Rubellite is a lithium-rich complex crystalline silicate (cyclosilicate) containing aluminum, boron and trace amounts of magnesium and iron. Rubellite occurs in pegmatites found in both igneous and metamorphic rock. The name "Rubelite" (Rubellit German, Rubellita Spanish) is derived from the Latin name "rebellus" or "reddish."
The principal sources for Rubelite are in the federation of Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil, with the finest varieties coming from the Ouro Fino mine in Coronel, Murta, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Other significant sources include the ruby mines of Andilamena and Vatomandry that suround the city of Antanànarìvo in central Madagascar, and the sapphire boomtown of Ilakaka in south-central Madagascar. The majority of facet-cut Rubellite on the market has probably been heat-treated and/or irradiated to improve color. Certain varieties of rubellite can display (pleochroism) causing a slight color shift due to pseudochromatic coloration, usually adding a yellowish-orange hue.
Rubellite has a hardness of 7 to 7 1/2 on the Mohs scale. The Toughness of Rubellite is Fair to Good and exposure to thermal shock should be avoided. Rubellite tourmaline belongs to the Trigonal crystal system with a Parallel, Elongated striated crystal habit.
Elongated Rubellite crystals are asymmetrically terminated (hemimorphism). Rubellite can also occur with a Massive, Scattered Grain crystal habit. Rubellite has a refractive index of 1.624. Rubellite has a vitreous luster.
Chemical Composition: Na(Li1.5,Al1.5)Al6Si6O18(BO3)3(OH)4
Semi-Precious Stones