Rubellite (Elbaite) - a mineral , a kind of tourmaline . Described and named in 1794 by the Irish scientist Richard Kirvan .
| Rubellite | |
|---|---|
 Rubellit, Transbaikal Territory | |
| Formula | Na (Li, Al) 3 Al 6 [(OH) 4 |
| Physical properties | |
| Colour | Pink, red, dark red |
| Trait color | White |
| Shine | Glass |
| Hardness | 7-7.5 |
| Cleavage | Missing |
| Density | 2.90—3.26 g / cm³ |
| Syngonia | Trigonal |
The name from the Latin language is translated as "reddish" ( lat. Rubellus ). Synonyms: red tourmaline, raspberry sherl, apyrite [1] , daurite, siberite.
Properties
It constitutes pegmatites , in which it is often found together with achroite , verdelite , indigolite , lepidolite , albite , microcline , quartz . Crystals are found in drusen . Common forms of excretion are columnar or needle crystals, radially radiant aggregates.
It has a color from pink to red. The most valuable variety is ruby red. Color due to the presence of divalent manganese .
Deposits
It is found in Brazil ( Minas Gerais ), USA ( California , Massachusetts , Maine ), Mozambique , Namibia , Madagascar , the Czech Republic, Italy, Germany. On the territory of Russia it is found in the Middle Urals and in the Eastern Transbaikalia .
Application
Valuable gemstone. Used in the manufacture of jewelry . It is usually faceted by a table or cabochon . It used to be used to simulate ruby .
Rubellite in literature
In the first of the novels of the "dragon" cycle of Brian Davis (" Bryan Davis ," Raising Dragons "), the dragon wore a ring with rubellite during its stay in the human body.
Notes
- ↑ B. F. Kulikov, V. V. Bukanov Dictionary of gem stones, Leningrad, "Nedra", 1988, p. 20