DESCRIPTION: Like a marvellous rose heart enclosed within a shell of living green crystal, this exceptional Watermelon Tourmaline section from Minas Gerais, Brazil is dominated by an unusually large pale pink central nucleus. Around this expansive core runs a remarkably thin and sharply defined ring of saturated pink to Neon Pink, creating an extraordinary chromatic outline before the colour transitions outward into the broad green body of the crystal. The central nucleus is the defining feature of the specimen. Occupying a substantial proportion of the cross section, it displays a soft pale pink colour with delicate internal tonal variations and natural growth textures. Rather than gradually blending into the surrounding crystal, the nucleus is dramatically outlined by a narrow, vivid pink perimeter. Under transmitted illumination this fine ring becomes significantly more intense, producing an almost electric Neon Pink contour around the much softer inner core. Beyond this saturated pink boundary, a narrow pale to whitish transitional halo separates the central architecture from the broad green exterior. The outer zone ranges from deep forest and olive green to brighter grassy green depending on orientation and illumination. Under strong backlighting, areas of the green body become remarkably luminous, developing vivid yellow green to Neon Green responses that contrast spectacularly with the pink centre. A particularly important mineralogical feature is the presence of a lateral secondary tourmaline crystal intergrown with the principal crystal. This natural crystal intergrowth projects distinctly from one side of the specimen and preserves its own green body and external morphology, producing an unusual compound silhouette. Rather than being a fracture or later attachment, it forms part of the specimen’s natural growth architecture and gives the piece an exceptional three dimensional identity. The frontal outline is consequently highly distinctive. The main crystal forms a broad rounded section while the intergrown secondary crystal creates an asymmetric lateral projection and a pronounced division towards the upper contour. Viewed obliquely and from the side, the considerable thickness of the specimen reveals strong longitudinal growth structures and makes the relationship between the principal crystal and the secondary intergrowth particularly easy to appreciate. Overall, this is an unusually expressive Watermelon Tourmaline specimen in which several exceptional features coexist: an oversized pale pink nucleus, an extremely fine Neon Pink boundary, a broad luminous green exterior and a clearly visible lateral crystal intergrowth. Its combination of colour zoning, compound growth morphology and dramatic transmitted light response gives the specimen a highly individual identity and considerable collector interest. SPECIFICATIONS: • Weight: 0.58 g • Weight in carats: 2.90 ct • Dimensions: 9 × 8.5 × 4 mm • Origin: Minas Gerais, Brazil • Mineral species: Tourmaline • Variety: Watermelon Tourmaline • Crystal system: Trigonal • Form: Natural crystal cross section with lateral intergrowth • Main crystal outline: Broad rounded to shield like section • Growth morphology: Principal crystal with intergrown secondary tourmaline crystal • Distinctive morphological feature: Pronounced lateral secondary crystal intergrowth • Central structure: Exceptionally large pale pink nucleus • Colour zoning: Strong concentric natural zoning • Colour sequence: Large pale pink nucleus, thin vivid pink to Neon Pink ring, pale transitional halo, broad green outer zone • Outer colour: Deep forest green to olive and grassy green • Colour response: Pink boundary intensifies to Neon Pink and green exterior becomes vivid luminous green under transmitted light • Transparency: Translucent to locally transparent • Lustre: Vitreous • Internal features: Natural veils, growth structures and reflective internal textures • Surface features: Preserved lateral growth lines and natural crystal architecture • Treatment: None • Condition: Natural, untreated crystal section NOTABLE POINTS: • Exceptionally Large Pale Pink Core The central nucleus occupies a remarkable proportion of the crystal section and immediately dominates the visual architecture. • Fine Neon Pink Boundary A remarkably narrow and highly saturated pink ring precisely outlines the much softer central nucleus. • Strong Neon Activation Under transmitted light, the thin pink perimeter intensifies dramatically into a vivid Neon Pink contour. • Broad Green Exterior A substantial green crystal zone surrounds the central structure, creating exceptional contrast with the pink interior. • Luminous Green Response Backlighting activates brighter grassy, yellow green and locally Neon Green tones throughout the outer zone. • Natural Secondary Crystal Intergrowth A distinct lateral tourmaline crystal is naturally intergrown with the principal crystal, producing an unusual compound morphology. • Exceptional Three Dimensional Architecture The relationship between the main crystal and the secondary intergrowth gives the specimen considerably more structural complexity than a conventional flat tourmaline section. • Distinctive Asymmetric Silhouette The lateral intergrowth creates a highly recognisable outline and a pronounced division in the upper profile. • Clear Growth Sequence The progression from pale nucleus to saturated pink ring, transitional halo and green exterior is exceptionally easy to read. • Preserved Longitudinal Growth Features Side views reveal pronounced natural growth structures along the depth of the original tourmaline crystal. • Strong Optical Contrast The combination of soft pale pink, intense Neon Pink and deep green creates a particularly dramatic response under changing illumination. • Highly Individual Natural Form The unusual intergrowth and oversized nucleus give the specimen an identity that is immediately distinguishable from more conventional Watermelon Tourmaline slices. COLLECTOR’S INTEREST: Watermelon Tourmalines are particularly desirable when their internal growth history can be read clearly through colour zoning. In this specimen, the unusually large pale pink nucleus and extremely thin saturated pink boundary create an exceptionally striking record of successive crystal growth, while the broad green exterior completes the classic watermelon architecture. Its collector interest is further elevated by the lateral secondary crystal intergrowth. Compound and intergrown tourmaline crystals preserve a more complex growth history than conventional single crystal sections, and here the secondary crystal remains clearly visible as an integral part of the specimen’s morphology rather than merely as a subtle structural feature. The combination of an oversized pink nucleus, Neon Pink perimeter, luminous green body and natural crystal intergrowth makes this a particularly distinctive specimen for a specialised mineral collection. LAPIDARY POTENTIAL: Although further cutting would technically be possible, it would compromise the features that give this specimen its strongest mineralogical and aesthetic identity. In particular, cutting would risk destroying the natural relationship between the principal crystal and the lateral secondary intergrowth, while also reducing the exceptional concentric zoning. Its highest value therefore lies in preservation as a complete natural crystal section, where the oversized pale pink core, Neon Pink ring, green exterior and compound intergrowth morphology can all be appreciated together. ——————— Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post and UPS • Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time service: between 2 to 5 business days within europe and worldwide, depending on destination national post. • A tracking number is always provided Photography and transparency: All photos were taken under controlled light conditions, carefully selected to reproduce the most accurate natural color of each specimen. No filters, color enhancement, or artificial saturation were applied. The lighting setup is used exclusively to represent the piece as it appears under neutral daylight, ensuring that buyers can appreciate its true tones and luster without distortion. Identification and ethics: All specimens offered are guaranteed natural and as described. Their origin and mineral identification are provided with the most accurate and reliable information available. Every effort is made to ensure that each piece is presented with full transparency, avoiding any misleading details regarding its nature, treatment, or provenance. Customs and import taxes: Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities. Guarantee and resolution: Customer satisfaction is a priority. In the event of any issue, such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us immediately through Catawiki’s messaging system. We will always find a fair and suitable solution, including refund, replacement, or other commercial arrangements whenever justified. 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