Chemical Formula: Na(Li,Al)3Al6(BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH)3(OH)

Chemical Name: Sodium Aluminium Borosilicate Hydroxide

Mineral Class: Cyclosilicate

Mineral Notes:  Rubellite is a colloquial name given to a red gemmy Lithium-rich and Fe+Mg free variety of Tourmaline, usually, but not always, Elbaite. The chemical inclusions which give colour to Rubellite actually cause the mineral to develop internal flaws. Therefore the darker the red colour, the more imperfect the final crystal. As a result it is extremely rare to find dark red Rubellite that is ‘clean’ internally. Like any other colour of Tourmaline, Rubellite displays pleochroism meaning that its colour changes when viewed at different angles.

Description: Numerous crystals of very attractive red-violet Rubellite in Quartz matrix. Most show good transparency, making them gemmy. As the colour in the interior becomes more intense, the depth becomes increasingly purple and very attractive.

Location: Minas Gerais, Brazil.