Inorganic Gemstones

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Rubellite

Rubellite tourmaline on calcite from the Latpanla mine between Mogok & Mandalay, Myanmar.

Members from the tourmaline group of minerals have a similar basic crystal structure, but happens to many colours. Rubellite (in the Latin for red) may be the name given towards the pink or red variety, with ruby-red stones probably the most highly prized. Rubellite crystals are striated, having a triangular cross-section along with a rounded outline. They might also occur having a fibrous habit, and show a cat’s-eye when cut en cabochon.

Russian pink and red tourmaline happens in weathered granites. Other sites include Madagascar, the united states, Brazil, Burma, and East Africa.

The particular gravity of tourmaline varies with colour deep red includes a higher SG than pink.


Properties
Chemical Composition: 

Complex borosilicate

Crystal System / Forms: 

Trigonal

Hardness: 
7.5
Specific Gravity: 

3.06

Lustre: 
Vitreous
Refractive Index / Birefringence: 

1.62-1.64 / 0.018

Cuts & Uses: 

Pendeloque, Step, Cabochon.

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