Rubellite Tourmaline (ex Marvin Rockey estate)

Item Description

Rubellite is the varietal name given to any rich pink or red colored Tourmaline. The term is used in both gems and minerals, and it doesn't apply to any specific species, though the pink and red colors are typically seen primarily in Liddicoatite and Elbaite. This gem has a wonderful rich reddish-pink hue with nearly eye-clean clarity and "Step Oval" cut. Keep in mind that Tourmaline is classified as a Type-3 gemstone, which means that inclusions are almost always present and are accepted by dealers and collectors, so a clean gem like this is a real treat. This stone is from the estate of former Phoenix area dealer Marvin Rockey. Rockey's Gems was a significant business in the early days of Arizona lapidary material, and he was a prominent dealer and buyer in the Arizona area of local lapidary and carving material from throughout the state, including Bisbee, the Ray Mine, Miami mines, and the Peridot finds on Indian lands in the 1950s-1970s. This stone was kept back from the retail stock for its quality and beauty, in a tray of special material, and was found in his estate (sold to us only recently). Today, these are not only rarely seen but of a highly desirable old quality, and sought after by collectors and gem / jewelry enthusiasts alike.