How to Facet a Rubellite Tourmaline

Rubellite faceting can be a very rewarding experience due to the rarity and brilliance of the stone.

Rubellite Vs. Ruby

A rubellite tourmaline is often confused with ruby due to its red color. However, they are completely different gemstones. While they both offer red and pink hues, a closer look reveals that rubellites are transparent while rubies offer a much richer color. This is due to different physical and optical properties. Generally, rubellite is rarer than most rubies.

Rubellite Treatments

Heat is sometimes used to lighten rubellite rough and get rid of undesirable color. Radiation is used on cut stones to improve color, but it is not commonly used on the rough. Usually rubellite stones are cut first and then irradiated.

Rubellite Faceting Comments

First, rubellite cuts and polishes like any other tourmaline, and usually there are no unique problems for this stone. Orientation is important, so choose the best color stone that you can find. However, you need to be careful about over saturation because sometimes stones can be dark.

Second, let's talk about polishing! A helpful tip is that I prefer polishing rubellite with alumina oxide with a tin lap (scored).

Finally, when faceting, any tourmaline design will work well. I generally prefer a shallow checkerboard on darker rough. Pick a design with the correct depth for the rough you have. Here is another helpful trick: light rough deep design, dark rough shallower design.

Rubellite Faceting: Gem Design Suggestions

Signature #4 - This is good for about any rough
Easy Emerald - This is a classic and works well on poor "c" axis colored stones
Smith Bar - This is a classic and works well on poor "c" axis colored stones