Rubellite Tourmaline
The Tech
Variety: Tourmaline (Silicate Mineral)
Chemical Composition: Aluminum, Iron, Magnesium, Sodium, Lithium, and Potassium
Hardness: 7-7.5
Specific Gravity: 3.06(-.05+.15)
Refractive Index: 1.62-1.65
Color: Red to Dark Pink, Magenta, Fuchsia
Where Found: Mostly mined in Sri Lanka, Brazil, Sweden, and Nigeria. In US found in Maine and Southern California.
Shown above: Earrings from the Time + Space Collection with round Rubellite Tourmalines Yellow Sapphires and Diamonds in 18K Gold
The Folklore
The pink tourmaline is known to allow trust in the power of love. It is associated with holistic medicine. It also symbolizes friendship and compassion. Sometimes a pink and green tourmaline combine in the same crystal, producing a gem called “watermelon tourmaline”.
The Aesthetics
The range of pinks available in tourmaline is truly amazing, but often it depends on the locality. My favorite gemstone is the bright Fuschia Rubellite variety- It came on the scene in 1999 when a major gem pocket was discovered in Nigeria- this material was bright in color and very clean in clarity, something unusual that distinguished this mine find from other localities- It was plentiful, the large discovery of stones lasted about 6 years with repeatable, matching colors that could be cut in matching sizes- I used 6mm square princess cuts in the pendulum earring collection that I released in 2000. 8mm round stones figured prominently in the Time+ Space Collection. It has become very difficult to source, but I am always on the look-out for Rubellite! I like combining it with golden beryl, peridot, chocolate zircon, and amethyst. In muted pink tones, I like to set it in white gold or platinum and pair it with diamonds or pearls.
