Tourmaline Rubellite, or also Rubellite tourmarine, is the pink to red variety of the gemstone tourmaline. It varies from bright to deep nuances, and usually is quite saturated and vivid in color. In fact, its color is due to the trace amounts of manganese found in it. Its hardness of 7 to 7.5 on Mohs scale makes it suitable for different kinds of jewelry, including rings and bracelets.
Rubellite tourmaline's value depends to a big extent on its color - pinkish red or purple tourmalines are the most highly valued, while brownish specimens are usually much cheaper. Irradiation can turn light pink tourmaline gemstones (that wouldn't be otherwise classified as rubellites) into vivid reddish pink exemplars; since this kind of treatment is undetectable, it's best to assume most gemstones on the market are treated (although, of course, not all of them are).
Rubellites usually have some inclusions, and in rare cases a cat's eye effect can be observed. Rubellite tourmaline's price also depends on its clarity - clear, bright specimens, free of imperfections, are rare and can be quite expensive.
Rubellite tourmaline is most often found in Madagascar, Nigeria, Brazil, Russia and Afghanistan.
Select gemstone type: