How To Care For Rubellite?

Should I Choose A Rubellite Engagement Ring?

Rubellite engagement ring. See it here.

In the last couple of decades, tourmaline gemstones have been increasingly used for engagement rings. With rubellite being the most prized and sought after type of tourmaline, that’s certainly the case here as well.

Do keep in mind, however, that with a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, rubellites are not as hard as diamonds (10 mohs) or even rubies (9 Mohs) and sapphires (9 Mohs).

They are still hard enough to have great wearability and be more durable than most other gemstones but compared to rubies and diamonds, rubellites will require more care and maintenance.

That’s the main reason why we wouldn’t generally recommend rubellites for an engagement ring but if they are to be set in a protective setting (such as a halo or a bezel setting) and if you are ready to commit to taking care for your rubellite stone, then it can be a good choice.

Rubellite vs. Pink Tourmaline – Are They the Same?

Both are tourmalines and both are pink, so what’s the difference? It all comes down to specific pink shades.

Rubellite can be called a variety of pink tourmaline, but it gets the prestige of having its own name based on the following factors:

1. Rubellite is a vivid, pink-red color but can also be purple or pink. Pink tourmaline comes in a range of pink shades.

2. Rubellite holds its color under various lighting sources and appears red throughout. If the color changes from pink-red to pink, then it’s a tourmaline.

The difference between rubellite and pink tourmaline is hazy and the lines tend to blur sometimes. It’s exactly like pink sapphire and ruby – ruby is a red sapphire that has its own name but the differences with pink sapphire can sometimes blur.

Rubellite vs. Ruby – What’s The Difference?

The main difference between the two is that rubellite tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone and the ruby is a precious stone.

Additionally, rubies are found in deep red colors only while rubellites can range purple to pink. Even though rubies are considered to be one of the valuable gemstones on Earth (second to diamonds), high-quality naturally clear rubellites are actually more expensive because of their rarity.

With all that being said, the choice between rubellites and rubies is usually personal and is based on the individual beauty of each stone and the budget of the customer.

There is no right or wrong choice between them are neither is to be considered a “budget version” of the other.

How To Care For Rubellite?

As rubellites are fairly hard and durable they are easier to take care of than other gemstones. Nevertheless, heating or ultrasonic mechanical cleaning procedures are still ill-advised for them.

Instead, we’d recommend that you only clean rubellite jewelry with warm soapy water and a soft piece of cloth. Avoid using toxic detergents and if the rest of the jewelry piece is of questionable durability as well, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional.

As far as storing rubellite jewelry is concerned, these hard gemstones aren’t easy to scratch but that can still happen if you keep them together with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, or other tourmaline stones. Instead, always store them separately or at least wrapped in a piece of cloth.