Member of tourmaline family of minerals have the same basic crystal structure, but Occur in many colors. Rubellite (from the Latin for red) is the name given to the pink or red variety, with ruby-red stones the most highly prized. Rubellite crystals are striated, with a triangular cross section and a rounded outline. They may also occur with a fiber habit, and show a cat's-eye's when cut en cabochon.

Russian pink and red tourmaline occurs in weathered granites. Other sites include Madagascar, the USA, Brazil, Burma, and East Africa.

The specific gravity of tourmaline varies with color dark red has a higher SG than pink.