Description and properties of the mineral
Rubellite is a pink tourmaline. The name is translated from Latin as “reddish”. The color range includes fifty shades created by an admixture of manganese.
The crystals are elongated, triangular in diameter with rounded corners. Natural stone occurs as a single formation or drusy accretions (radial and needle-shaped).
He gave the name to the gem and first described its properties in 1794 by the Irish naturalist and mineral lover Richard Kirwan.
Transparent, shiny rubellite is considered a class 2 gemstone. Cloudy, matte specimens are used as semi-precious or ornamental. Other names are siberite, daurite, apyrite, red tourmaline.
Physics and chemistry of the tourmaline family
Rubellite is a type of tourmaline.
The chemical formula of the mineral is Na(Li,Al)3Al6[(OH)4.
A little about tourmaline - an interesting and very attractive stone both from the point of view of jewelry lovers and from the point of view of serious husbands. It's about his amazing qualities. Judge for yourself.
Formula | Na(Li,Al)3Al6[(OH)4|(BO3)Si6O18] |
Color | Pink, red, dark red |
Stroke color | White |
Shine | Glass |
Hardness | 7—7,5 |
Cleavage | Absent |
Density | 2.90—3.26 g/cm³ |
singonia | Trigonal |
Tourmalines have:
- Pleochroism (one of the most distinct among gems).
- Luminescence (not all, brown, blue, green and pink do not have it).
- Dispersion (splitting a beam of light in the body of a stone). We value many gems for their dispersion, and the champion in this is diamond.
- The colors of tourmaline are also amazing. Polychrome (two-color) is a rarity among gems. Pink-green crystals are found in South Africa and Brazil.
- Polarization of light.
- Pyro- and piezoelectric properties.
So these crystals are important not only for jewelry lovers. This bouquet of properties is happily used in various industries.
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This is such an amazing mineral. Tourmaline can be an ornamental stone or a precious one. It all depends on the color and transparency of the crystal.
Varieties of tourmalines
There are several of them, but gemologists consider the main ones:
- elbaite;
- schorl;
- drags;
- Liddicoatite.
Rubellite also belongs to the elbaite variety. And besides it, verdelite (“Brazilian emerald”), blue indigolite, colorless achroite.
The characteristics (colors and shades, shine, transparency) of all types of elbaite allow them to be used in jewelry.
Mineral rubellite
Colors. Delightful - pink, pale and bright; red as a windy sunset; dark red to burgundy; crimson, fuchsia, violet... The color of the stone is provided by manganese (the more of it in the stone, the darker and more saturated the gem).
Hardness 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale. It’s quite suitable for cutting, but... Inclusions are often found in rubellites, but here you can’t get the cut you want.
Ring with rubellite
Rubellites with inclusions are usually cut into cabochons. There is nothing wrong with this, and the cabochon will perfectly reveal and show the richness of the color of the stone.
If the color is combined with the transparency of the crystal, then it has no price. I mean, not everyone can afford it.
The story of “almost a ruby”
It is believed that pink tourmaline has been known almost since the Stone Age. It has been established that the gem from watermelon tourmaline was obtained by Alexander the Great during his campaign to the East. Cleopatra owned the magnificent gem. Chinese court dignitaries decorated their outfits with rubellite plates.
European medieval rulers did not appreciate the precious stone, unlike the Russians. True, the latter considered the gem a ruby. The most famous examples are a bunch of grapes given by the King of Sweden to Catherine II, a pink spinel from the crown of Anna Ioannovna, and gems on the crowns of the Romanov dynasty.
The best examples of rubellite are outwardly indistinguishable from rubies - the stones of the first row. As Professor Bauer, the author of a fundamental work on mineralogy, noted, even for an expert it is visually difficult to distinguish them.
Errors and oddities occurred until the 20th century, when the latest research brought clarity. Tourmalines, including pink ones, are endowed with strong pleochroism, that is, they split the ray passing through them into two colors. Ruby gives a pure red glow.
Variety
“Crystals have many facets, shine, inclusions, transparency. And the inquisitive color and the ambiguity of forms excite the mind” [V. Sletov]
Due to its high manganese content, rubellite has “sensual”, exciting, enchanting shades of red. The famous Soviet mineralogist A.E. Fersman wrote: “raspberry-red and cherry-red tourmaline have always been most valued.”
Varieties and colors of rubellite:
- apirite is a blood-red tourmaline;
- Siberite is a variety of red-violet, lilac-red color;
- Daurite is a mineral of thick crimson, berry color;
- Crimson Schorl is a ruby red crystal.
Also read: Tanzanite - a rare gift from Mount Kilimanjaro
If we continue the list of names and shades, then “red tourmaline” is also a synonym for the gem. More recently, before the discovery of Academician Fersman, rubellite was confused with ruby and pink spinel.
Where is the gem mined?
Deposits of rubellite have been explored all over the planet. Large purple-pink crystals from Brazil are recognized as leaders in quality and beauty.
Africa is close on the heels of the “Brazilian rubies”, but pink gems from Namibia, Mozambique and Madagascar are inferior in saturation. Rubellite was found in the USA, India, Eastern Europe, Italy, Germany, and Sri Lanka.
In Russia, the exploration of the subsoil of the Urals was “blessed” by Peter I. Today, these tourmaline mines are practically exhausted, they have been replaced by rich veins of Transbaikalia.
Magic properties
The planet Venus is the patroness of magnificent rubellite. Thanks to the magical charms that the mineral is endowed with, it has the fate of an amulet that preserves love. The energetic power of the gem helps a person get rid of problems in his personal life, obvious and carefully veiled in the mind.
The magic stone rubellite frees you from fears and anxieties that block you and prevent you from opening up and moving towards your happiness. A talisman with a gem will strengthen existing feelings or revive those that are in danger of breaking up.
With the help of the amulet, it will be possible to restore the broken trust between lovers, and it will also be possible to avoid the interference of the “third wheel” in a successful relationship.
The magic of the stone will warm cooling feelings, adding tenderness and romanticism, making them glow. Those who have failed in love, with the help of the amulet, will easily survive disappointment and again revive hope, faith in love and in a happy personal life.
The stone will help you believe in yourself, provoke in a person the desire to breathe life to the fullest, to discover a new person in yourself, unknown to yourself and others.
In addition to the ability to help in matters of the heart, the vibrations of the stone organize all his powers in a person and direct him to solving personal problems, help identify complexes and get rid of them.
Often unrealized energy pushes a person to action, but, unfortunately, not everyone can correctly decipher this impulse. A precious amulet will tell you the right direction where you should move in order to reveal your talent and correctly distribute your potential.
Also read: Axinite - will cleanse the soul of negativity and worries
Jewelry stone rubellite
For jewelry, clean, transparent, faceted crystals are used. They are given a classic diamond, step, table cut or fancy shapes. Opaque specimens become beads, links of bracelets or cabochons, and are used for decorative items.
The most expensive rubellite is red or bright pink, rich in color. Gems of delicate tones are considered feminine. Darker crystal jewelry can be worn by men. Rubellite is most beautiful in natural light, which is why it is considered a daystone. The price of an ordinary specimen is $27–55 per carat.
Healing properties
Tourmaline has a medicinal effect both on a specific area of the body and also affects the general condition of the body. The healing stone helps to cope even with complex diseases. Raspberry schorl helps heal cancer. The miraculous mineral improves:
- state of the nervous system;
- strengthens the immune system;
- normalizes the functioning of the endocrine system;
- darker shades of rubellite help cope with nervous and mental disorders;
- the crystal can have a beneficial effect on the digestive system;
- improve blood composition and circulation;
- the functioning of the cardiovascular system is normalized;
- rubellites of bright red shades improve the functioning of the genitourinary system;
- has a positive effect on complexion and general skin condition;
- strengthens male power.
It is known that the shade of the gem determines which organ will be more or less affected. If the stone looks pinkish in color, it means that help will be aimed at recovering from stress and getting rid of depression.
The sedative effect will make it possible to rest peacefully at night without disturbing dreams. By decorating yourself with raspberry sherl, with the help of a healing stone, your emotional state is taken under control.
The magic of rubellite jewelry
Jewelry with pink tourmaline, in which the gem is in contact with the body, makes the stone a talisman and amulet:
- a bracelet or beads will help a person who has experienced stress or nervous shock to recover;
- rubellite earrings will relieve headaches;
- for those suffering from insomnia and nightmares, a pebble placed under the pillow will help;
- a ring on the left index finger will make the search for a soulmate successful or establish peace in the family.
Jewelry with bright, rich rubellite set in gold is the most powerful. Silver is not prohibited either.
However, long-term wearing of jewelry with tourmaline is contraindicated for idealists. Even a small pendant can create “rose-colored glasses” that will tear the owner away from reality.
Magical properties of the gem
It is traditionally believed that red and pink stones influence relationships between people, plans, and the creative sphere:
- help to follow the beaten path and open new paths, awaken the hidden talents of the owner;
- a person is self-confident, clearly sets goals, quickly finds ways to achieve them;
- are able to calm mental storms and extinguish anxiety, therefore it is suitable as a sedative for restless people;
- improve family affairs;
- assistants to anyone who finds themselves in a difficult life situation and needs advice or compassion;
- restore mental balance.
The magical properties of the stone protect against external negativity such as slander, the evil eye or witchcraft. The gem makes the owner charismatic, so its meaning is especially important for public figures. Among those who are suitable for the energy of rubellite are creative or extraordinary individuals.
Meditation over the stone replenishes vitality, resets tension and recharges with light energy. The stone is held at chest level, imagining how pink light envelops the body.
According to Feng Shui, rubellite is associated with the element of Fire. A crystal placed in the southern segment of a home or office brings peace, coherence, and abundance.
The healing effects of pink crystals
Rubellite combines the healing properties inherent in the tourmaline family. Scientists have found that the problem is the electromagnetic radiation of the mineral. It creates a protective field around a person. If possible, it is better to select specimens of a certain shade.
- Crimson or deep red, that is, dark tones of the stone stimulate the body physically. Useful for metabolism, heart function, digestive organs, kidneys, lungs, endocrine system, blood vessels.
- Light shades are calming, so such stones are prescribed for unmotivated fears, absent-mindedness, overexertion, apathy or other emotional problems.
Rubellite helps the body as a whole to cleanse, renew itself and activate mental activity. Suitable for those who want to develop memory and increase concentration.
Pink tourmaline is a stone of beauty. Heals the skin, reduces wrinkles and removes acne.
Compatibility with names and zodiac signs
Astrologers believe that the patron of rubellite is the planet Venus, so the stone especially favors people in love. As for compatibility with zodiac signs, the stone will not be favorable to everyone. According to astrologers, wearing a crystal will have the following effect on representatives of the zodiac circle:
- Aries - for them the stone will become a devoted protector and talisman in difficult times.
- willful Taurus make the right decisions and not deviate from the chosen path.
- Gemini - representatives of this sign should be careful with the gem, as the crystal can enhance negative character traits.
- Cancers will find in the mineral a source of inspiration and inner strength.
- Leo - for representatives of the royal sign, jewelry with a stone will provide help and support, strengthen inner nobility and a sense of justice.
- Virgo - for females, the crystal is neutral, and the stone can be worn simply as decoration. But for Virgo men, contact with the mineral is contraindicated.
- Libra - representatives of this sign are considered the favorites of rubellite, so for Libra the stone will demonstrate its magical and healing properties to the fullest.
- For stubborn and wayward Scorpios, the mineral will help restore reserves of internal energy and strength, but you should not wear the stone every day. Otherwise, Scorpios risk becoming proud and self-confident.
- Sagittarius - the gem will help representatives of this sign in making difficult decisions.
- for Capricorns .
- Possession of a stone will help Aquarius gain confidence in their own abilities and discover their talents.
- Pisces sign, wearing a product with a crystal will help them understand themselves and those around them, and protect them from gossip and intrigues of their enemies.
In addition to compatibility with the signs of the Zodiac, wearing rubellite is recommended for people with the following names:
- Aglaya, Isabella, Ariadna, Milena, Lyubov, Taisiya.
- David, Vladislav, Vyacheslav, Gennady, Evgeniy, Kirill, Nikita.
Rubellite stone is a precious mineral, respected and loved even by royalty. A pink-scarlet gem can become not only a wonderful decoration, but also a faithful talisman, showing magical and healing properties towards the owner. The main thing is not to forget to take care of the stone and thank the mineral for its support and favor.
How to distinguish rubellite from a fake
It is impossible to obtain pink rubellite by heat treatment - when heated, the stone will become almost transparent, wine-colored or brown. Therefore, this shade of crystal is guaranteed to be natural.
However, they are trying to replace it with synthetic analogues. To find out the origin, the sample is tested for scratching and light:
- It is impossible to damage rubellite with a knife;
- in strong artificial light, the pink stone turns brownish. If such a shade does not appear, it is synthetic.
They can be distinguished from glass by holding it in their hands. The glass will heat up immediately.
Scope and scope
Due to its beauty, hardness and brilliance, rubellite has found application in jewelry. The stone is inserted into delightful jewelry: rings, earrings and bracelets. It is important to note that only high-quality transparent samples are suitable for creating expensive products, and frosted crystals are used for costume jewelry. The setting for jewelry is usually gold, less often silver. The cost of rubellite jewelry depends on the size, purity and intensity of the stone's shade.
Less valuable samples of the mineral are used to decorate boxes, vases, figurines and other decorative items. In addition, rubellite is used for embroidery of icons, as well as in the production of radio engineering and medical equipment.
Who is the pink gem suitable for according to the zodiac?
According to the signs of the Zodiac, rubellite is the stone of Air. This is a Libra amulet. Having such a talisman, they can start any business - creating a family, business or home will be successful. A ring on the index or middle finger of the left hand will make men more confident and purposeful; any piece of jewelry will suit ladies. It will enhance beauty, make the owner younger and neutralize enemies.
The value of the stone will be appreciated by other air signs - Aquarius and Gemini. Rubellite will not harm the rest of the inhabitants of the Zodiac circle.
Gifts of Venus to rubellite
The patron planet of rubellite is Venus. The goddess of love generously gives her protection to Libra and Taurus. These zodiac signs will get all the support they can from a tourmaline crystal.
For men, cufflinks or a ring with rubellite will help them find the right course in the sea of life and give them inner self-confidence.
For women, jewelry and talismans made from gemstones will help preserve the family hearth, make it cozy, comfortable, and incredibly attractive to the man they love. Rubellite is suitable for Leos and Aries, a little less for Sagittarius. Fire in the nature of these zodiac signs and in the color of rubellite will create a close connection between man and stone.
Historical reference
The history of the stone goes back centuries, but only in 1974 was rubellite studied and officially recognized by mineralogist R. Kirwan, who gave it this name, meaning “reddish” in Greek.
Legends say that the history of some stone samples began in the 7th century during the reign of Queen Cleopatra in Egypt. Thus, the famous rubellite, shaped like a bunch of grapes, belonged not only to her, but also to Julius Caesar, the Knights Templar, the French monarchs, the Swedish king Gustav and Catherine II, the Russian empress.
Caring for stone products
It is not easy to break a solid mineral, but its structure can be disrupted if you accidentally hit or drop it. The structure of the crystal is also damaged if exposed to direct sunlight or chemicals. It is not recommended to dry jewelry near heating devices or with a heated air stream, for example, using a hair dryer.
Also read: Andradite - a stone that gives confidence
It is better to remove dirt from jewelry with soap suds and rinse with plain water. Dry at room temperature or wipe with a soft cloth. It is recommended to store it in a separate case, soft on the inside, or put it in a velvet case, and then into a jewelry box.
Physico-chemical characteristics
Rubellite is one of the varieties of tourmalines.
The color of the mineral is associated with the content of manganese impurities in it. In general, by chemical nature, rubellite is a complex compound of sodium, lithium and aluminum. Rubellite crystals have a glassy luster and can be either transparent or matte. The stone is characterized by low specific gravity and high hardness - the treated surface of rubellite cannot be scratched. When heated, the mineral begins to attract paper.
By name
Being a powerful aphrozodiac for some names, pink tourmaline is a talisman and amulet.
Alexander - with the help of a gem, he will find his life partner, and then he will be able to preserve his love for many years.
Vadim and Maya – pink tourmaline will help you avoid jealousy and trust your soul mate Vadim and Maya. They experience real passions and unreasonable jealousy, which the gem will help to curb.
Mark - men with this name scatter their attention too much and cannot be constant in love, but pink tourmaline as a talisman will help you find and keep true love.
Rimma is constantly in search of new sensations, and therefore begins to get bored in long-term relationships. For Rimma, rubellite is a talisman of sensuality and emotions in her personal life.
Eleanor - rubellite helps suppress excessive selfishness, and this allows you to be more attentive in relationships and find true happiness in your personal life.
Place of Birth
More often, rubellite is found in pegmatites - igneous rocks. It is usually adjacent to quartz, albite, achroite, verdelite, indigolite, and microcline. The gem is mined on different continents. The main deposits are as follows:
- Brazil (mainly the state of Minas Geras) is the place where the largest specimens are mined; the largest stone weighs about 4 tons, is a meter long and 40 cm wide;
- Germany;
- Italy - specimens of extraordinary beauty were found on the island of Elba;
- Kazakhstan;
- Madagascar;
- Mozambique;
- Namibia;
- Russia – Middle Urals, Eastern Transbaikalia;
- USA - in California, Massachusetts, Maine;
- Ceylon;
- Czech Republic.
Applications
Rubellite is the most expensive and brightest variety of tourmaline, which has attracted the attention of jewelers since its discovery due to its sophistication and beauty.
For jewelry purposes, crystals with a high degree of transparency, of various sizes and shades are used. Inserts made of faceted rubellite are used in pendants, pendants, earrings, bracelets, rings and rings, in silver and gold frames. Opaque samples of the mineral are valued less and are used as an ornamental material.
Where is red tourmaline born?
Look for rubellite in pegmatites and placers.
The mineral is resistant to moisture, mechanical and thermal effects. Therefore, crystals can be found in river beds, in the form of sedimentary deposits.
Crystals are hidden in quartz and pegmatite veins, in cozy voids.
Crystals most often have columnar and needle-shaped shapes.
Astrological aspect
From an astrological point of view, rubellite is tied to the air element, and specifically to the constellation Libra. For men, the best talisman option would be a ring with a red tourmaline insert. With such a “companion,” the Libra man can safely start any business, no matter whether it concerns amorous matters or business. Absolutely any decoration will suit Libra ladies. It will make the owner’s natural beauty shine with new colors, visually rejuvenate her, and also help eliminate enemies.
An alliance with rubellite will be no less fruitful for representatives of other Air signs, Gemini and Aquarius.
However, there are no strict horoscopic “contraindications” to interaction with rubellite for one or another sign. Astrologers note that this stone, if it does not bring enormous success, will at least improve the health of a representative of any sign.
Rubellite and magic
Stone of love
Everyone knows, and maybe even intuitively feels, that certain magical properties are associated with each precious stone. Firstly, as practicing magicians say, these pink stones symbolize love and a noble heart, and personify talent. Rubellite is believed to be associated with Venus. Magicians say that the stone will help you avoid being rejected; with it you can make any, the most daring confessions.
If the rubellite is made in gold (for example, a gold pendant), then the relationship will be unusually romantic, tender, and there will be mutual understanding between lovers.
The stone enhances erotic impulses. Secondly, the crystal will not allow those suffering separation to fall into despair. It helps you forget the past, will not allow memories to torment you, and will help you avoid taking a dangerous step. It also happens that crystals, like real magic stones, can bring back lost love, but for this, of course, you have to make an effort yourself. Black tourmalines are believed to belong to sorcerers, warlocks and witches. Magicians claim that stones can provoke and even strengthen aggressive, negative messages. So, owners of rubellites (even if they are not black), be careful in your wishes to your loved ones.
Talismans and amulets made of rubellite
The red color of the stone and its significance as a bullfighter's mulet attracted the attention of cutters, jewelers and various craftsmen. Products made from rubellite are not just jewelry, turning into real amulets and talismans, they faithfully serve their owners. In the old days, they were passed down by inheritance, they were believed in their power, they were overgrown with legends and traditions. The stones were sent into a pendant and inserted into rings. Ideal combinations of rubellite with gold and silver. This should not be forgotten when choosing a decoration - a talisman. This can be a very good wedding gift, because crystals are the guardians of the hearth.
Product prices
Large rubellite crystals of high purity and quality are rare, and for this reason they are valued very highly.
For example, a 5-carat example of intense dark cherry coloring (also known as “sybarite”) is valued at $2,000. In general, the price for 1 carat of faceted pure rubellite ranges from 15 to 25 dollars. Less valued are opaque specimens, on the basis of which talismans, beads, bracelets, and pendants are made. For example, earrings with rubellites of average quality are priced at $20, a bracelet – from $25 to $30.