GEMLAB REPORT:
February 1998 - Issue #8
By: Ted Themelis
themelis@ganoksin.com
In This Edition:
- Rubellite or Pink Tourmaline?
http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/gemlab8.htm
The transition point where pink tourmaline becomes rubellite -and
vice versa- raises serious questions on the classification of the
color-designated red/pink tourmaline available in the
international gem market. Therefore, many pink tourmalines are
described, classified, and sold as rubellites by many gem dealers
and jewelers alike. This is, of course, because the designated term
“rubellite” commands a higher price than “pink tourmaline”. The
theme “buy as pink tourmaline, sell it as rubellite”, has many
parallels to the familiar themes “buy as pink sapphire, sell it as
ruby”, or “buy as green beryl, sell it as emerald”, as previously
reported (see Gemlab Reports - Dec.1997, Jan.1998 issues). At first
glance, the rubellite designation seems to be due to its ruby-like
overall appearance, as its name suggests. Actually, in most cases
it more closely resembles the rhodolite garnet than the ruby
designation.
Many gem dealers feel the pink tourmaline-rubellite issue does not
exist. They argue that the name “rubellite” gives the average
consumer the impression that the stone is some kind of ruby
imitation, and therefore the “rubellite” term should be abolished.
However, the red/pink color designated variety may be used instead
and simply referred to as “red tourmaline”. They believe that the
degree of the overall red/pink color hue, taking into consideration
the various color modifiers, should determine the final price of
the stone. What about the “hot-pink tourmaline” designation we
often hear in the gem trade? Is it interpreted by many dealers as
the “transition point” where pink transfers into the red portion of
the visible portion of the spectrum? Some gem dealers point out
that every “hot-pink” tourmaline in their inventory is actually
traded as rubellite, bearing higher price, the rubellite price.
Pink tourmaline is simply designated and refereed to by its
obvious and undisputed pink coloration. The inability of many to
distinguish the basic color hues is the major cause of the pink
tourmaline-rubellite problem. Various secondary colors (lilac,
purple, brown, etc.) further modify their overall appearances,
causing additional confusion. The characteristic reddish-violet
variety tourmaline, called siderite, is classified by many gem
dealers as “fine pink tourmaline” or as “rubellite”. The term
“siberite” is very seldom encountered in the gem and jewelry trade,
since this tourmaline variety has been long depleted from the mines
they were found.
Some gem dealers describe rubellite as having a red primary color
with pink or lilac as secondary color modifier; describing pink
tourmaline as having a pink primary color with reddish/orange to
lavender as secondary color modifier. Some Brazilian gem dealers
gave an entirely different interpretation: they argue that some
rubellites are actually “hot-pink” tourmalines, reminiscent to
Burmese rubies! Furthermore, they said, rubellites have a
particular ruby-like inclusions normally found on cat’s eye gems;
pink tourmaline does not have above characteristics! Most
knowledgeable gem dealers describe rubellite as orange-red, red
slightly purplish red with about 50%-60% tone (100%=black). Pink
or rose tourmaline is described as reddish/purple, purplish/red, or
red/purple. The “transition-point” between rubellite and pink
tourmaline lies on the degree and amount of color saturation.
The rubellite/pink tourmaline issue is further complicated,
because considerable quantities of pink tourmaline from Madagascar,
Afghanistan and Pala, Ca. USA, are being enhanced by irradiation
and subsequent heat treatment processes to produce fine rubellite
color. Most gem dealers claim there is no price difference between
natural rubellite and enhanced rubellite.
As the price of fine red/pink tourmaline and rubellite are
steadily increase, this issue grows accordingly and proportionally.
A universally accepted terminology and distinction between pink/red
tourmaline and rubellite is urgently needed.
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