Rubellite is a gemstone belonging to the tourmaline family. It's name is derived from the Latin word "rubellus," meaning reddish, and is often referred to as red tourmaline. The phonetic transcription for rubellite is /ˈruː.bə.laɪt/. The pronunciation begins with a long "oo" sound followed by a strong emphasis on the "b" and "l" sounds. The final syllable is pronounced as "light." When spelling rubellite, it is important to emphasize the "b" and "l" sounds to ensure accurate pronunciation.
Rubellite is a semi-precious gemstone that belongs to the tourmaline family, exhibiting a vibrant reddish-pink to deep red coloration. It is renowned for its intense and radiant hues, often resembling the vivid tones of a ripe ruby. This gem derives its name from the Latin word "rubellus," meaning reddish. Rubellites are highly valued and coveted for their exceptional color, which is considered one of the most captivating among gemstones.
In terms of physical properties, rubellite is a variant of tourmaline and shares similar characteristics. It has a trigonal crystal structure and a hardness rating of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it fairly durable for everyday wear. Rubellite's coloration results from the presence of manganese and lithium ions within its crystal lattice, which interact to produce the distinctive rosy to ruby-like tones. Its color intensity can vary, ranging from pale pink to deep crimson, with the most desirable specimens exhibiting a rich, saturated red hue.
Rubellite gemstones are predominantly found in several countries, including Brazil, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Nigeria, among others. Due to their rarity and captivating appearance, they are prized by collectors and enthusiasts. Rubellites are often used in fine jewelry, including rings, earrings, and pendants, both as centerpieces or accent stones. Their vibrant, warm colors complement various metal settings, such as platinum, yellow gold, or rose gold, further enhancing their allure and desirability. As a gemstone, rubellite exudes elegance, making it a popular choice for those seeking a distinctive and eye-catching piece of jewelry.
Red tourmaline containing a considerable proportion of manganese, generally occurring in closely-aggregated crystals, varying from a slight tinge of red to a fine pink.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "rubellite" originated from the Latin word "rubellus", meaning reddish. This term was used to describe a variety of tourmaline gemstone that displayed a vibrant red or pink color. Over time, the term "rubellite" was specifically assigned to tourmalines with a vivid pink or raspberry red hue, distinguishing them from other tourmaline colors.