Difference between revisions of "Rubellite"

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{{rubellite}}
 
{{rubellite}}
 
[[Image:Rubelite_Tourmaline_-_Gem_Project.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Rubellite <br />Photo Courtesy of Precision Gem]]<br clear="left" />
 
[[Image:Rubelite_Tourmaline_-_Gem_Project.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Rubellite <br />Photo Courtesy of Precision Gem]]<br clear="left" />
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Rubellite is the pink to red color variety of [[tourmaline]]. The name can be applied to all species of the tourmaline group, but is generally elbaite.
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==Treatments==
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Pink tourmaline is sometimes irradiated to enhance the color to a deeper red.

Revision as of 06:22, 3 September 2007

Rubellite Tourmaline
Chemical composition Complex borosilicate
Crystal system Trigonal
Habit Prismatic
Cleavage None
Fracture Conchoidal
Hardness 7.5
Optic nature Uniaxial -
Refractive index 1.62 - 1.64
Birefringence 0.014 - 0.022
Dispersion Low, 0.018
Specific gravity 3.06
Lustre Vitreous
Pleochroism Weak to strong
Rubellite
Photo Courtesy of Precision Gem

Rubellite is the pink to red color variety of tourmaline. The name can be applied to all species of the tourmaline group, but is generally elbaite.

Treatments

Pink tourmaline is sometimes irradiated to enhance the color to a deeper red.