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: A lavender-coloured crystalline matrix which contains numerous crystals of purple-red Rubellite. Most are quite short and only partially exposed but nevertheless show the richness of colour. However one particularly long crystal sits almost exposed of the matrix and this shows both the colour and crystal form of the mineral extremely well. The bright glassy luster helps make this a nice aesthetic specimen.

Location: Konar Province, Afghanistan.