Rubellite is the name for tourmaline in its richest red and deep pink. It has the warmth of a ruby at a fraction of the price, it is one of the October birthstones, and few people know it by name, so it makes a gift that starts a conversation. We set natural rubellite in 925 sterling silver and solid gold at our studio on Sukhumvit 71, Bangkok.
This page covers what rubellite is, how it differs from ruby and pink tourmaline, how to wear and care for it, what makes a good stone, how to see the stones at our shop, and how to order in Bangkok or anywhere in Thailand.
What rubellite is
Rubellite is not a separate mineral. It is tourmaline, the same family as the pink, green and two-color stones you may have seen, in its most saturated red to raspberry pink. The color comes from a little manganese in the crystal. The name comes from the Latin word for red.
The test the trade uses is simple: a true rubellite keeps the same strong red-pink in daylight, under shop lights and in a dim restaurant. A paler tourmaline that turns brownish or washed out under warm light is sold as pink tourmaline instead. That steady color is what you pay for.
Every stone we set is natural, rubellite included. Some rubellite is gently heated or irradiated to even out the color. Both treatments are common and stable, and if a stone has had any treatment we tell you before you order.
Rubellite facts at a glance
- Birthstone: October, as a tourmaline
- Color: red, raspberry pink and purplish red
- Hardness: 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale
- Treatment: sometimes heated or irradiated; we always tell you
- Best for: pendants, earrings, bracelets and rings
- Care: warm soapy water and a soft brush; no ultrasonic or steam cleaners
- Price: depends on the quality and carat you choose; we quote before you order
Rubellite, ruby and pink tourmaline
Ruby is corundum, the same mineral as sapphire. It is harder at 9 on the Mohs scale and costs far more. Rubellite gives you a similar deep red-pink in a softer, slightly cooler tone for much less, which is why many people choose it for a larger stone.
Pink tourmaline is the same mineral in a lighter shade. Where pink tourmaline is soft and pastel, rubellite is bold and saturated. If you like your pink loud, rubellite is the one.
Rhodolite is a purplish red garnet. It looks close to rubellite at a glance but is a different stone, a little darker and more purple. We set both, so if you are unsure, compare them side by side at our shop.
How to wear and care for rubellite
At 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, rubellite is harder than everyday dust, so it keeps its shine in rings as well as pendants and earrings. Natural rubellite often carries tiny inner threads and feathers, which are normal for this stone, so treat a rubellite ring kindly: take it off for the gym, heavy lifting and gardening.
Clean it in warm soapy water with a soft brush, then rinse and dry. Keep it away from ultrasonic and steam cleaners and sudden heat, which can stress those inner threads. One fun fact: tourmaline builds a tiny electric charge when it warms up, so a rubellite in a sunny window can pull in dust. A quick wipe brings back the sparkle. If it ever needs a polish or a check of the setting, bring it to our shop. Maintenance is free on jewelry we made.
What makes a good rubellite
Color matters most. The finest rubellite is a vivid, pure red to raspberry pink that holds steady under any light. Too much purple or a brownish tint lowers the value, and so does a color that fades under warm light.
Clarity comes next, with a different standard from most stones. Rubellite almost always shows some inclusions, so the gem trade expects them. A good stone looks lively and bright to the eye, without cracks that reach the surface.
Size brings out the color. Small stones look lighter and pinker; the red deepens as the stone gets bigger.
Cut gives the stone its life. A well proportioned stone sparkles across its whole face. Tourmaline is darker along the length of the crystal, so a skilled cutter turns it to show its best red from the top.
Where rubellite comes from
Most fine rubellite today comes from Brazil, where Minas Gerais has been the classic source, and from Nigeria, Mozambique and Madagascar. Afghanistan and Pakistan produce some too. In the past, red tourmaline from the Ural Mountains was set in Russian royal jewels, where it was long taken for ruby, and pink tourmaline from California was a favorite of the last empress of China. If you want to know the origin of a particular stone, ask us: we offer certified stones, and an uncertified stone can be sent to a gem lab for a report at extra cost.
An October birthstone
Tourmaline and opal are the two birthstones for October. Rubellite is a lovely way to give an October birthstone with real depth of color, for a child born in October, a partner’s birthday, or one of the stones in a family ring where each person gets their own month. Our birthstone chart shows all twelve months.
See rubellite at our shop in Bangkok
A true rubellite keeps its red-pink in daylight, under shop lights and in dim evening light, which you can only test in person. If rubellite is the one on your mind, tell us at booking and we gather more, raspberry pink to purplish red in a few sizes, with rhodolite beside them if you are unsure.
Walk in any time we are open, or book ahead so Yaron is there to help with the stone, the design and the metal, from 925 silver and gold plating to solid 9K, 14K or 18K gold.
Few people know rubellite by name, which makes a loose stone a gift that starts a conversation. It can be bought on its own with no jewelry order, and we would be very happy to make a piece for you.
See rubellite with Yaron
TOANOI House, 259/80 Phibunwet Village, Sukhumvit 71, Bangkok. Monday to Friday 9:30 to 17:00 and Saturday 10:00 to 15:00. We speak Thai, English and Japanese.
Not in Bangkok? Message us and we will send photos and prices of the rubellite we have.
Rubellite questions we get
Is your rubellite natural?
Yes. Every gemstone we set is natural, rubellite included. Some rubellite is heated or irradiated to even out the color, and we tell you before you order if a stone has been treated. We are a member of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association.
Is rubellite a real ruby?
No. Rubellite is red tourmaline and ruby is red corundum. They look alike, which is why old royal jewels mixed them up, but ruby is harder and costs much more. Rubellite is a beautiful stone in its own right.
What is the difference between rubellite and pink tourmaline?
They are the same mineral. Rubellite is the deep, saturated red-pink that keeps its color under any light. Lighter stones, or ones that turn brownish under warm light, are called pink tourmaline.
Can I wear a rubellite ring every day?
Yes. Rubellite is 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, so it handles daily wear well. Take it off for the gym and heavy work, and keep it away from ultrasonic cleaners.
How much does rubellite jewelry cost at Colors by Love?
It depends on the quality and carat of the stone you choose, and on the metal. We give you the price before anything is made.
Can I buy just the stone?
Yes. You can choose a rubellite and take it as a loose stone, nothing else required. Whenever you want it in a ring, pendant or earrings, now or later, we are happy to set it.
How long does a rubellite piece take?
7 to 10 working days after you order, then 1 to 3 working days for delivery inside Thailand. We also ship abroad by FedEx.
Every rubellite piece is made to order by our team in Bangkok in 925 sterling silver or solid gold, with a 3-year warranty, free maintenance and free shipping across Thailand.
