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The tourmaline family is a group of minerals with multiple varieties, each identified by a specific name or by the term "tourmaline" associated with its characteristic color. This group belongs to the trigonal crystal system and consists of a complex aluminum borosilicate, with additional elements such as iron, magnesium, lithium, or manganese, which influence the colors and properties of the different varieties.
Pink tourmaline is primarily represented by the rubellite variety, whose color ranges from pink to deep red. This hue is due to the presence of manganese in its chemical composition. Unlike other colored tourmaline varieties, rubellite often retains its brilliance under different types of lighting, distinguishing it from certain green or blue tourmalines that may appear duller under artificial light.
In addition to rubellites, other tourmalines can exhibit pinkish hues, though they are rarer. Among them, pink dravite, which leans toward a light mahogany brown, and siberite, which can display shades ranging from lilac pink to blue-violet. However, these varieties are less common and less sought after in jewelry than rubellite.
The name rubellite comes from the Latin rubellus, meaning "reddish," a direct reference to its characteristic hue, which varies between deep pink and rich red. This term is also used in gemology to distinguish intensely colored pink tourmalines from paler pink tourmalines, which are sometimes considered lighter variants of rubellite.
Until recently, pink tourmaline was relatively common and accessible on the market, but the growing demand for high-quality gemstones has led to a significant price increase. Brazilian deposits, particularly in Minas Gerais and Paraíba, as well as those in Madagascar and Nigeria, produce high-quality rubellites, but the most intensely saturated specimens remain rare. Despite this price surge, pink tourmaline remains an attractive alternative to pink sapphire due to the intensity and depth of its hues while still being more affordable than some other similarly colored precious stones.
Mines: Brazil, Madagascar, Tanzania, Namibia, Mozambic, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Niger, The Elbe island, India, Burma, Italia, Angola, Australia, the USA.
Pink tourmaline, particularly rubellite, has a more recent history compared to gemstones like ruby or sapphire, but it is no less fascinating. Its use in jewelry and ornamentation dates back several centuries, although its precise identification as tourmaline did not occur until the 18th century.
In Imperial China, pink tourmaline—especially rubellite—was highly prized during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). Empress Dowager Cixi, who held a central role in the court for several decades, had a particular fondness for this stone and had many jewels and funerary ornaments set with it. At the time, China imported large quantities of rubellite from California, particularly from the mines of San Diego County, which are now depleted. Chinese artisans also carved pink tourmaline into figurines and seals, often intended for the nobility.
Pink tourmaline is a precious gemstone renowned for its emotional, physical, and energetic benefits. Associated with the heart chakra, it embodies gentleness, love, and serenity. Its lithium-rich composition gives it stabilizing properties for emotional and nervous balance, while its crystalline structure promotes energy circulation throughout the body.
Please note that all healing properties presented for gemstones are gathered from various sources. This information is provided as a service and is not intended to treat medical conditions. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for serious medical issues and not to rely solely on gemstones as a treatment.
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