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 single large crystal of very attractive red-violet Rubellite. The bottom of the crystal shows the original point of attachment to the matrix whilst the upper surface is a well-formed sloping termination. The crystal surface shows many characteristic striations and towards the top are a small number of small ancillary hexagonal crystals. The crystal is partially transparent making the surface very gemmy. As the colour in the interior becomes more dense, the clarity becomes less, but gives rise to the spectacular colour.

Location: Konar Province, Afghanistan.