The tourmaline family to which rubellite belongs is a crystalline boron silicate mineral and is classified as a semi-precious stone found in a wide variety of colors.

Apart from the red or pinkish-red rubellite, other species of the tourmaline family include the Elbaite named after the island of Elba in Italy, the light blue Brazilian Indicolite, the green Verdelite, and the Schorl, among others.

Because of its deep hue, the rubellite is compared to the magnificent ruby. However, while the ruby is a precious stone, the rubellite is a rare gemstone. Whereas rubies have a higher density and a richer red undertone, rubellites are rarer, which makes the latter more expensive.