Are Ruby and Rubellite the same? Most people get confused between these two gemstones because of the similarity in the name and the close similarity in their appearances. Their names are quite the same, so you might think that they are the names of the same gem or that they belong to a common mineral family or group.
However, Ruby and Rubellite are two entirely different gems, belonging to different mineral families and having distinct physical properties and astrological significance. If you are also confused and want to decide between one of them, here in this blog, we have mentioned all the points that can answer the question - How to tell Ruby from Rubellite?
What is Ruby? - It is a variety of the corundum mineral family found in different shades of red. It gets its color because of the presence of the Chromium element.
What is Rubellite? - It is a variety of tourmaline stone (a Crystalline Silicate Mineral group). Tourmalines are found in many different colors, and their red or pink varieties are known as Rubellite. It is the rarest gem in its family and often gets confused because of its rarity and hue.
Ruby comes in deep red shades; some low-quality ones can have pale red or pinkish red, or some might have a purplish overtone. But mostly, the deep, dark shade of red is seen in rubies. Pigeon blood ruby are the most loved hue.
Rubellite is found in an extended scale of red hues like pinkish or purplish red tones, orangish pink, or reddish pink, which comes because of the presence of manganese or iron.
Physical Properties | Ruby | Rubellite | |
Color |
| Pinkish red, dark red | |
Hardness | 09 | 07 - 7.5 | |
Crystal System | Hexagonal crystal system | Trigonal crystal System | |
Refractive Index | 1.76 - 1.78 | 1.62 - 1.64 | |
Specific Gravity | 4.0 | 3.0 - 3.2 | |
Optical Properties | Single refractive | Double Refractive | |
Price | 2,000 to 50,000 per carat | Rubellite price per carat is 700 to 30,000 rupees. |
Both stones are formed under different natural processes and have distinctive geochemical formations. Hence, they are found in various parts of the world.
Rubies are mainly mined from parts of Asia, Burma or Myanmar, Thailand, India, and Sri Lanka. It is formed through metamorphic processes under high temperatures and pressures, primarily hosted in one of the three rock types - marble, amphibolite, or basalt.
Rubellite sources include Madagascar, Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Mozambique, Russia, Afghanistan, etc. These tourmalines are formed in igneous or metamorphic rocks that are rich in Lithium.
Rubellites have a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on Moh’s scale, while Ruby has a hardness of 9. So, comparatively, rubies are tougher and suitable to wear on a daily basis.
Although, in comparison to other gems, the red or pink tourmalines are relatively reasonably tough. They can be used to make jewelry and worn daily if cared for properly and not exposed to harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes.
Ruby vs Rubellite How to Differentiate Astrology. Astrologically, the significance of gemstones is high, and most people believe in the energies that these gems bring.
Ruby, the symbol of love and passion, is ruled by the planet Sun, aka Surya Grah. Wearing it brings the individuality, boldness, and leadership qualities of the wearer.
Astrological Benefits
Also known as Manikya or Manik stone, this red gemstone will bring you courage, love, and power.
It will bring you to a position of authority and enhance your communication and leadership skills. Promoting mental clarity, it will also help you make better decisions and balance your emotions. Belief has it that Manik stone can increase your vitality, strengthen the circulation system, and remove toxic substances from the body.
Know more benefits of Ruby stone here.
Pink/Red Tourmaline is a healing stone that promotes creativity, heals you emotionally, and eliminates stress and anxiety.
Astrological Benefits : - This gem is known to ignite the passion of the heart and bring sensuality, love, and affection to a relationship. Indeed, it is believed that its positive energies can heal you from past emotional trauma. It will inspire creativity, boost your self-esteem, and protect you from psychic attacks.
Supporting your heart, it will also maintain the function of your circulatory system.
Is rubellite more valuable than ruby?
Rubellite is a rare stone, but it is not an expensive gem, at least not as expensive as Ruby. Rubies are one of the world's longest-known and most expensive gemstones, with deep hues, extreme astrological significance, and tough hardness. All of these factors make it a valuable precious stone.
Naturally, there are inclusions in the Manik stone, such as needle-like inclusions called silk, while in the pink-red tourmalines, there are web-like patterns of fluid inclusions known as Trichites. This variety of tourmalines commonly has more inclusions. And the clarity or flaws in a stone can decrease its worth.
The price of a gemstone highly depends on its quality, which is measured by Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat weight. Higher-sized gems with intense hues without overtone or undertone and fewer inclusions command higher costs.
Generally, Rubellite stone price ranges between INR 700 and 30,000 per carat.
Ruby stone price ranges between INR 2,000 to 50,000 per carat, based on the quality of the gem.
So, here are the differences Between Ruby And Rubellite. These are two very distinctive gems that get mixed up because of the same color but have different physical properties and can be differentiated based on them easily.
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