Rubellite: Ruby-like Static Stone
 There are quite a few variations of tourmaline gemstones that exist today, one of which is rubellite. At times, rubellite can resemble a ruby, but without the high price. The beauty and strength of rubellite make it a gemstone that is ideal for use in any type of jewelry.
The tourmaline family of gemstones includes a dazzling array of sensationally  colored varieties. Rubellite is from the elbaite variety of tourmaline. Rubellite can be varying shades of red: deep red, sometimes violet-like, and also dazzlingly sensational pink. All are passionate colors for a gemstone you’re sure to fall in love with. Some of the other tourmaline gemstones that exist include paraiba tourmaline, pink tourmaline, and watermelon tourmaline, and each has its own beauty to be treasured.
 Rubellite’s name is derived from the Latin word “rubellus,” which means “reddish.” Rubellite tourmaline displays the same intensity of color in artificial lighting conditions as it does in natural sunlight. In contrast, pink tourmaline and red tourmaline will show a hint of brown color in non-natural lighting conditions, such as fluorescent lighting. It is for this reason that rubellite is usually more valuable than pink or red tourmaline.
The presence of lithium gives rubellite its color, and rubellite is often heat treated or irradiated to optimize color. This gemstone commonly has inclusions within it, which will affect the way lighting plays on, or enhances, the stone. A rubellite gemstone with fewer inclusions is typically more valuable than one that is too clouded up with them.
Rubellite (sometimes spelled “rubelite”) has also been called siberite, and Siberian ruby. Siberia has produced some of the finer qualities of rubellite. Other locations that have produced rubellite include Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Australia, Brazil, Tanzania, Mozambique, Afghanistan, Africa, Madagascar, Russia, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Switzerland, Myanmar (Burma), India, and the United States.
Tourmaline gemstones are referred to as piezoelectric stones. Heating or rubbing these gemstones will cause them to have static properties, which tend to attract dust particles. The best way to clean the dust off is to rinse the stone with soapy water. It is not a good idea to simply wipe off the dust. Doing so could diminish the stone’s beauty.
It is also advisable to avoid steam or ultrasonic cleaning when caring for your rubellite gemstone. Sudden, drastic temperature changes could cause this gemstone to crack, and therefore, should be avoided, also. Polly might want a cracker, but you sure don’t—not when it comes to gemstones.
Rubellite rates between 7 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Despite all of the words of caution mentioned above, it is a durable gemstone which can be placed in all types of jewelry. Rubellite, just like all tourmalines, is both the traditional and modern birthstone for the month of October.
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