History and origin
The story of the origin of rubellite is very mysterious; its origin goes back centuries. From the description of the most famous specimens of red tourmaline, it can be assumed that the gemstone appeared in the form of jewelry a thousand years BC.
We are talking about a jewel in the shape of a bunch of grapes. This is one of the treasures stored in the Diamond Fund of Russia. Even at the beginning of the last century, experts believed that the product was made of ruby. A little later, academician Fersman A.E. revealed that the skillfully cut crystal belongs to a variety of tourmaline.
The “Bunch of Grapes” made of rubellite had to change many owners. This confirms one of the names of the mineral - “Caesar's ruby”. According to legend, one of the first owners of the jewelry was a magician who lived in Babylon. Cleopatra was one of the mistresses of the treasure.
Many centuries later, the jewelry masterpiece ended up in Russia and was presented to Catherine II by King Gustav VIII of Sweden as a sign of friendship.
At the end of the 18th century, a geologist from Ireland, Richard Kirwan, discovered and provided a description of a lovely reddish-pink stone. The gem, which was a variety of tourmaline, received the name rubellite in 1794.
Application area
Pink tourmaline is used in the jewelry industry to make jewelry.
It is used to make earrings, beads, rings, rings, and less commonly, tiaras and necklaces. There are different types of cuts - from cabochon to diamond. The greatest demand is for specimens weighing 2 carats and above, but only defect-free stones are valued.
Elbaites are set in white and yellow gold, as well as in silver.
Gold pendant with tourmaline
Place of Birth
The first samples of Ceylon tourmaline came to the Eurasian continent thanks to sailors returning from India. Today, the highest quality rubellite is mined in the mines of Brazil. There are deposits on the territory of the Czech Republic, and it is not for nothing that the crown of kings was decorated with a mineral that protected the crown from impostors.
Mining of rubellite in Russia is carried out in the Urals and Transbaikalia. On the African continent, Mozambique and Namibia, as well as the Republic of Madagascar, have rich reserves of tourmaline. In the States - California, Massachusetts, in Europe - Germany, Italy have precious resources.
Mining locations
Rubellite deposits are scattered throughout the planet and have already been well studied. Brazilian crystals are considered the most beautiful and high quality. African samples are not inferior in quality, however, they do not have the brightness and richness of color that are inherent in the Brazilian mineral.
There are also developments of rubellite in Germany and Italy, the USA, on the island. Sri Lanka, India, Eastern Europe and Transbaikalia. Previously, since the time of Peter the Great, stone was also mined just east of the Ural Range, but at the moment these deposits are considered exhausted.
Rubellite is characterized by a fairly high density and hardness. The stone is characterized by a specific glassy luster, regardless of the degree of color density: the crystal can be absolutely transparent and matte - this depends on the amount of manganese in the composition of a particular sample.
Physical properties
The “reddish” gem is formed in pegmatites; in the rock it is “adjacent” to other varieties of tourmaline. It is a solid body with a glassy luster and below average density. The form of the discharge is a collection of needle-columnar crystals, in radiate drusen.
Property | Description |
Formula | Na(Li,Al)3Al6[(OH)4 |
Hardness | 7-7,5 |
Density | 2.90 - 3.26 g/cm³ |
singonia | Trigonal. |
Cleavage | Absent. |
Shine | Glass. |
Transparency | Transparent or translucent. |
Color | Purple, pink, red, dark red. |
Where is red tourmaline born?
Look for rubellite in pegmatites and placers.
The mineral is resistant to moisture, mechanical and thermal effects. Therefore, crystals can be found in river beds, in the form of sedimentary deposits.
Crystals are hidden in quartz and pegmatite veins, in cozy voids.
Crystals most often have columnar and needle-shaped shapes.
Variety
“Crystals have many facets, shine, inclusions, transparency. And the inquisitive color and the ambiguity of forms excite the mind” [V. Sletov]
Due to its high manganese content, rubellite has “sensual”, exciting, enchanting shades of red. The famous Soviet mineralogist A.E. Fersman wrote: “raspberry-red and cherry-red tourmaline have always been most valued.”
Varieties and colors of rubellite:
- apirite is a blood-red tourmaline;
- Siberite is a variety of red-violet, lilac-red color;
- Daurite is a mineral of thick crimson, berry color;
- Crimson Schorl is a ruby red crystal.
Also read: Beryl - the magical properties of the gemstone
If we continue the list of names and shades, then “red tourmaline” is also a synonym for the gem. More recently, before the discovery of Academician Fersman, rubellite was confused with ruby and pink spinel.
Healing properties
Tourmaline has a medicinal effect both on a specific area of the body and also affects the general condition of the body. The healing stone helps to cope even with complex diseases. Raspberry schorl helps heal cancer. The miraculous mineral improves:
- state of the nervous system;
- strengthens the immune system;
- normalizes the functioning of the endocrine system;
- darker shades of rubellite help cope with nervous and mental disorders;
- the crystal can have a beneficial effect on the digestive system;
- improve blood composition and circulation;
- the functioning of the cardiovascular system is normalized;
- rubellites of bright red shades improve the functioning of the genitourinary system;
- has a positive effect on complexion and general skin condition;
- strengthens male power.
It is known that the shade of the gem determines which organ will be more or less affected. If the stone looks pinkish in color, it means that help will be aimed at recovering from stress and getting rid of depression.
The sedative effect will make it possible to rest peacefully at night without disturbing dreams. By decorating yourself with raspberry sherl, with the help of a healing stone, your emotional state is taken under control.
Magic properties
The planet Venus is the patroness of magnificent rubellite. Thanks to the magical charms that the mineral is endowed with, it has the fate of an amulet that preserves love. The energetic power of the gem helps a person get rid of problems in his personal life, obvious and carefully veiled in the mind.
The magic stone rubellite frees you from fears and anxieties that block you and prevent you from opening up and moving towards your happiness. A talisman with a gem will strengthen existing feelings or revive those that are in danger of breaking up.
With the help of the amulet, it will be possible to restore the broken trust between lovers, and it will also be possible to avoid the interference of the “third wheel” in a successful relationship.
The magic of the stone will warm cooling feelings, adding tenderness and romanticism, making them glow. Those who have failed in love, with the help of the amulet, will easily survive disappointment and again revive hope, faith in love and in a happy personal life.
The stone will help you believe in yourself, provoke in a person the desire to breathe life to the fullest, to discover a new person in yourself, unknown to yourself and others.
In addition to the ability to help in matters of the heart, the vibrations of the stone organize all his powers in a person and direct him to solving personal problems, help identify complexes and get rid of them.
Often unrealized energy pushes a person to action, but, unfortunately, not everyone can correctly decipher this impulse. A precious amulet will tell you the right direction where you should move in order to reveal your talent and correctly distribute your potential.
Also read: Diamond – a stone of hidden luxury and material wealth
Who is it suitable for?
For artists . Rubellite helps to reveal talent and brings recognition from experts and the public. Sometimes you don’t even need talent - just “the right acquaintance” and assertiveness with arrogance (which, as you know, is the second happiness).
For those who are looking for love. With rubellite you will find it - that’s what esotericists say.
Zodiac signs
- Suitable for Geminis in the third decade of birth (from June 11 to June 21).
- The connection between rubellite and a Libra representative is established almost instantly. The stone will be especially useful for men.
- For Scorpios, the gem will help harmonize sexual energy.
- For Leo, Aries and Sagittarius (to a lesser extent), the stone is “spontaneously” close. They are united by Fire.
Is Rubellite right for you?
Not really
Element
Fire
There is an opinion that the elements of rubellite are Earth and Water.
Planets
Venus
Energy
Jan
Jewelry with mineral
Jewelry with a bright crimson crystal gained immense popularity during the reign of the kings.
Jewelry with stones complemented the outfits of crowned heads throughout Europe and Asia. In the modern world, the gem is valued among jewelers. Most often it is subjected to the following types of cutting:
- pear-shaped cut, also called “drop”, the most common type of processing of raspberry schorl;
- a cut with four rounded corners and wide edges is called “cushion”;
- manual openwork carving is applied to stones that are not cut;
- crystals with an uneven shade, inclusions or a large number of microcracks are used for beads and cabochons.
It is known that collectors buy exclusive items at auctions. Unique samples with rubellite cost tens of thousands of dollars.
- A Tiffany&Co ring with a 10-carat stone sold for $2,200;
- Earrings, the total weight of crystals reached 56.97 carats, cost $5,000;
- “IVY New York” earrings, total weight of gemstones was 21.37 carats, sold for $6,500;
- The “Michelle Ong for Carnet” necklace with a huge stone, framed with diamonds and sapphires, was purchased for $7,200.
Jewelry stores offer to buy faceted rubellites. The gem is mainly used for single products, since it is not easy to select identical samples for paired jewelry. The price of a gem is quite high, for example, an oval-cut rubellite, weighing 8.60 carats, costs $3,780.
Variegated mix
Many Indian men wear items with rubellite. After all, the stone, according to legend, makes the owner of rubellite irresistible in the eyes of the fairer sex.
Rubellite is considered a talisman for all people in creative professions, as it increases the power of inspiration.
Heating to 450-600 degrees will give the reddish-brown rubellite a glowing red color.
The largest gem crystals were discovered in Brazil. The length of some reached 130 cm. For such a crystal you will have to pay several million dollars.
There is a legend that a grape-shaped rubellite was stolen from a demon by a Chaldean magician and gave its owner the ability to pass through walls.
In evening light, rubellites sometimes lose their beautiful color.
How to distinguish a fake?
Excitement about the upcoming purchase of a precious stone may be caused by anxiety so as not to be deceived and buy real rubellite. Some features of the mineral will help distinguish a real crystal from a fake.
- The hard natural mineral cannot be scratched. If you press on the surface of a red gem with a sharp object, there will be no traces of scratches left on it;
- tourmaline translates as “attracting ashes.” If a stone is heated and a small piece of paper is brought to it, the mineral will begin to attract it;
- rubellite, like any other natural stone, has foreign inclusions and microcracks. If a sample of impeccable purity is offered for sale, has absolutely no defects and is completely uniform in color, most likely the “jewel” is an imitation;
- Only experts can distinguish high-quality rubellite analogues.
To avoid falling prey to scammers, you should not buy products at reduced prices or enter into dubious deals.
Questions/Answers
If you have questions or suggestions, write to us!
How to distinguish a fake?
- Rubellite itself is not a cheap stone. But it can also be passed off as a much more expensive ruby.
- Glass and plastic can be passed off as rubellite. Or maybe red-brown annealed tourmaline. In the latter case, only specialists will be able to identify the fake.
- Do you suspect that it is not natural rubellite, but glass or (ugh!) plastic? A little experiment: heat the stone and bring it to the hairs, tiny pieces of paper. All these little things will begin to move, will be drawn to the stone - if it is real.
- Before purchasing, carefully examine the stone with a magnifying glass (you will have to take it with you to the store).
- Do you see microcracks, some inclusions, uneven coloring? These are signs of natural stone.
- In bright artificial light, the stone loses its bright color and becomes brownish.
- Do you suspect that there is plastic in your hand? Scratch the pebble with a needle. This will not harm a real gem, but “skin” will be pulled from the plastic after the needle.
- Pleochroism will help distinguish rubellite from ruby.
- In any case, if you buy an expensive gem, take care to check its certificate. Or take it to a gemologist, he will determine exactly what kind of stone it is.
How to care?
- The hardness of the gem is very decent, you can’t just break it. However, dropping it is not recommended.
- Protect the stone from prolonged exposure to the sun and from contact with household chemicals.
Please note : due to the piezo and pyroelectric effects, the stone “collects dust” like a vacuum cleaner.
- We wash the contaminated stone with soapy water, rinse off the soap with cool water, and dry with a napkin.
- As for the “energy” mud, place the stone in “silver” water. One in which the silver had lain for a day. Just not rhodium plated or gold plated. A piece of silver or a silver coin is best suited for this purpose.
Who should wear it?
- First of all, artists and designers.
- To lovers.
Rubellite has its disadvantages. It is better not to wear it for people who often find themselves in conflict situations in sexual and love relationships.
How to wear?
The best setting for rubellite is precious metals (gold and silver).
All esotericists advise wearing tourmalines:
- in a pendant (gold frame and chain);
- rings on the index finger of the right hand;
- rings on the middle finger of the left hand.
What is the price?
I looked at prices in different stores. There are pompous online platforms where prices are much higher than in other stores. For example, a pendant in silver in one of these stores costs 92,000 rubles. Russian rubellite.
Let's look at a store with affordable prices. A pendant in silver here costs 27,600. The stone is from the same deposit (Malkhan).
In the same store with attractive prices:
- Silver rings from 13,600 to 27,000 rubles.
- Earrings in silver - 2,600-9,300 rubles.
- Beads from 7,800 to 13,400 rubles.
Stones in products from the Malkhan deposit (Transbaikalia).
Please note: prices for crystals can vary significantly depending on clarity (cloudy stones are much cheaper), size and color.
What colors are there?
From pink to deep red, through all tones and undertones. The crimson stones are amazing. There are gems with a purple tint.
The most valuable color is ruby.
Color for rubellite is the main evaluation criterion. A stone with a rich, rich color will be forgiven for “shortcomings” in transparency.
Purple, brownish, orange shades will reduce the cost of the crystal.
Please note: the color palette of rubellite includes more than 50 shades.
Where can I buy?
Low quality rubellite can be purchased in many online stores and jewelry stores.
High quality crystals are very expensive. Not every jewelry store can buy a stone of the desired shade.
But jewelry factories and companies always have their own websites and their own showrooms. There you can find a gem of a suitable color.
When is the best time to buy?
During the day. Purchase a stone of light and fire only during the day.
It is better to do this on 1-2 lunar days. Put it at home, let the gem get used to it, “get into the swing of things.” And in a couple of weeks you can “launch” your new decoration.
What stones does it go with?
- Fire to Fire. All stones of the fire element go well with rubellite.
- “Friends” for your gem are rubies, spinels, corals, amber.
- Only green pomegranate will do.
- Air elemental stones are friendly with Fire gems.
- Rock crystal, chrysoprase and peridot will coexist peacefully with rubellite.
Investment or love?
Many people view gems as an investment. But you need to take into account that quick profit is impossible here.
Let's take rubellite. Ten years ago its price was quite reasonable. But then the stone came into fashion. Now you can’t buy a good copy for less than 2-3,000 dollars. Yes, and you will have to look for it.
True, there are few investors in this market, no more than 3% of buyers. Others just want to admire the gems. Because it's not about money, it's about love. Love for stone.
Caring for stone products
It is not easy to break a solid mineral, but its structure can be disrupted if you accidentally hit or drop it. The structure of the crystal is also damaged if exposed to direct sunlight or chemicals. It is not recommended to dry jewelry near heating devices or with a heated air stream, for example, using a hair dryer.
Also read: Charoite - a hidden treasure of the far north
It is better to remove dirt from jewelry with soap suds and rinse with plain water. Dry at room temperature or wipe with a soft cloth. It is recommended to store it in a separate case, soft on the inside, or put it in a velvet case, and then into a jewelry box.
Compatibility with names and zodiac signs
“And the comfort of my home is filled with the fact that they live in it - my friends, beautiful stones, gifts of Nature and a source of inspiration” [V. Sletov]
The astrological properties of red tourmaline perform a protective function for some representatives of the zodiac circle.
(“++” – the stone fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated):
Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
Aries | + |
Taurus | ++ |
Twins | + |
Cancer | + |
a lion | ++ |
Virgo | — |
Scales | ++ |
Scorpion | + |
Sagittarius | + |
Capricorn | + |
Aquarius | + |
Fish | + |
- The zodiac sign Libra is considered the “favorite” of rubellite, its energy is aimed at protecting the owner, his family and home.
- Taurus is protected by Venus, which means they can use a crystal to help them, which protects representatives of the sign from disappointment in love and strengthens relationships.
- Leos need the support of the energy of the stone. Their habit of generously giving not only gifts, but also love leads to the fact that they are unable to replenish their own energy supply.
- Aries, trying to keep up with the hectic rhythm of modern life, howls about what he asks for in his soul. An amulet with a stone will once again remind you that it’s time to set priorities.
To whom rubellite is suitable, as a powerful magical artifact, sometimes the name decides.
- Alexander is capable of great feelings and shares them with his soul mate so that they last a lifetime. Red tourmaline helps in choosing a worthy companion.
- Vadim is ardent and passionate in love, but also jealous. Rubellite helps to tame jealousy and makes you learn to trust each other.
- Mark is not constancy; “frivolity” in relationships leads to loneliness. Jewelry promotes the development of long-term relationships.
- Maya is jealous, manifestations of mistrust reach the point of recklessness, which has more than once led to collapse in relationships. The crystal helps to calm temperament so that it does not interfere with a “sober” assessment of the situation.
- Rimma is passionate, emotional, and does not accept boredom in relationships. The gem will give new life to fading feelings.
- Eleanor can be too selfish in relationships, so the stone helps maintain balance so that egocentrism does not destroy mutual feelings.
Love is not only a vivid manifestation of feelings, but also hard work on one’s own character flaws.