How to Assess the Quality of a Rubellite

Tourmaline is a semiprecious gemstone that comes in a variety of colors. Some of these colored tourmaline are given names of their own, and rubellite is one of them. Rubellite is simply another name for a red tourmaline. Like other gemstones, rubellite can occur naturally, or it can be man-made, and telling the difference is not always easy. A careful assessment, though, will help you tell a real rubellite from a fake and give you a good idea of the gem's quality as well.

Instructions

How to Assess the Quality of a Rubellite

1

Evaluate the gemstone's color. Hold it up to the light to determine intensity and uniformity. Rubellites can vary somewhat in shading, from a deep, almost purplish, shade to a lighter, pinkish red, but they should always be basically red.

2

Look at the cut of the gemstone. The rubellite should be well-proportioned and cut so light plays through it. Like color, cut usually can be evaluated with the naked eye.

3

Check for enhancements. Rubellites are sometimes heated to enhance their color; this is a trade-accepted enhancement and will not affect the value of the gem. However, other enhancements, such as filling in tiny cracks, indicate a lower-quality rubellite.

4

Weigh your gem with a jeweler's scale. Gems are weighed in carats, and if all other elements are equal, a larger rubellite is worth more than a smaller one.