Tourmaline • Elbaite / Fluor-liddicoatite (Tourmaline Group)

Rubellite Tourmaline

Rich ruby-red, cranberry, to vivid shock-pink that retains its saturated red-pink hue under both daylight and incandescent lighting (unlike ordinary pink tourmaline, which shifts brownish indoors).

Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄ + Mn³⁺Mohs 7.0 – 7.5 Mohs

Mineralogical & Gemological Profile

Mineral Family	Tourmaline
Mineral Species	Elbaite / Fluor-liddicoatite (Tourmaline Group)
Gemological Variety	Rubellite
Chemical Composition	`Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄ + Mn³⁺`
Crystal System	Trigonal
Mohs Hardness	7.0 – 7.5 Mohs
Specific Gravity	3.02 – 3.26
Refractive Index	1.624 – 1.644 (Birefringence 0.018–0.020)

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Color Characteristics & Optical Behavior

Rich ruby-red, cranberry, to vivid shock-pink that retains its saturated red-pink hue under both daylight and incandescent lighting (unlike ordinary pink tourmaline, which shifts brownish indoors).

Geological Context & Pakistani / Global Localities

Forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites in Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan), Nuristan (Afghanistan), Brazil, Nigeria, and Mozambique.

Collector Interest & Rarity Factors

High-clarity cranberry-red faceted stones and lustrous striated prism crystals on cleavelandite/quartz matrix.

Fine Jewelry Applications

Luxury cocktail rings, drop earrings, and heirloom necklaces.

Treatment Considerations & Disclosure

May be completely untreated or irradiated/heated to intensify pink-red color; occasional clarity enhancement with resin in heavily included crystals must be disclosed.

Care & Cleaning Instructions

Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush; avoid thermal shock, steam, and ultrasonic cleaners.

Traditional Meaning

Traditional Symbolism & Cultural Heritage

Prized in Russian Crown Jewels and Chinese Qing Dynasty carvings; symbolizes passion, warmth, and emotional vitality. October birthstone.

Note: Cultural and birthstone traditions are presented strictly as historical folklore, never as scientifically verified medical or metaphysical effects.

Tourmaline