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Rubellite

UNB-2018-0008Minerals » Silicates » Cyclosilicates » Tourmaline

Description

Sample of pink prismatic subhedral crystal of Rubellite with visible striations along the length of the crystal faces. Rubellite (Na(Mg,Fe)3Al6(BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH,F)4) is the pink and red variety of Tourmaline. Lustre is vitreous and streak is white. Hardness is 7 to 7 1/2. Tourmaline usually occurs as short or long prismatic crystals that commonly have a rounded triangular cross section with striations along the length of the crystal faces. Tourmaline can also be radiating, columnar or compact.

Specifications

Object nameRubellite
IDUNB-2018-0008
Legal statusPermanent collection
CategoryMineral
Classification
Mineral group:
Silicates
Sub-groups:
Cyclosilicates » Tourmaline
Composition
  • (Na,Ca)(Fe,Mg,Li,Al)3Al6(BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH)4
OriginUnknown
Pieces1
PartialNo
Measurements
  • 1.3cm x 3.6cm x 2.4cm

Publications

  • Chesterman, C.W. 1979. Audubon Society, Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals. Knopf.