Gem Profile- Ruby Fuchsite

Ruby Fuchsite is a gem-rock that is composed of at least two, but most often three or more different minerals. (I use the term "gem-rock" to identify rocks that contain more than one mineral, and are used in jewelry, as opposed to gems, which by definition, only contain one mineral) The silvery-green matrix material that contains the bright fuchsia and pink corundum/ruby is actually a form of muscovite or mica. Pure muscovite is silvery-white that obtained its color from the mineral chromium during its formation deep in the earth, termed fuchsite. This is why items made from Ruby Fuchsite are often a lighter green than most Ruby Zoisite pieces. The lovely blue and green hues of kyanite are also present in most fuchsite, sometimes appearing as streaks, but most often surrounding the trapped corundum with a marine-colored halo. Muscovite is fascinating as a common, rock-forming mineral, that we may address at a later date.


Nuggets of Ruby Fuchsite. Notice the blue-green halo around the fuchsia rubies. Private Collection - Dale Armstrong and Blades of Kyanite in their natural colors of green and blue. Private Collection - Dale Armstrong.