Hardness: 7.50
Refractive Index: 1.62-1.64
Specific Gravity: 3.06
Birthstone:
Astral Stone:
Anniversary Stone:
Origination: Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil and others.
Care & Cleaning: Clean with a soft polishing cloth, plain water rinse, mild solution of soap & water or commercial jewelry cleaner.
Fiction, Facts & Folklore:
Rubelite is the red variety of the tourmaline mineral group.
It is considered to be one of the most costly & desirable gems in its� family.
Some of the best quality rubelite comes from the Cruzeiro deposit in Brazil Mozambique, Africa also produces some top-quality specimens.
Although it is a rare gem, some larger gems of ten carats or more can be found.
A deep red rubelite of nearly 12 carats recently surfaced from Brazil.
The rubelite is a direct extension of the pink tourmaline.
Its� value is of direct proportion to its color, with those of deep red hue commanding top dollar when seen at retail.
Gems of excellent color, cut and clarity can be easily confused with top-quality rubies by the untrained eye.
Rubelite can occasionally be found in a bicolor state.
Although it is most often faceted, some rubelite showing an asterism (or star) can be found en cabochon.
Rubelite is considered by most astrologers to be a gem of the sun.
For additional information, see �tourmaline�.