Description: What could possibly surpass the watermelon tourmaline slices that GemPulse has been presenting on Catawiki over recent months? A complete crystal. More valuable, more expressive, and far more revealing than any individual slice. Where a slice offers a moment, a complete crystal tells the entire story. This exceptional watermelon tourmaline crystal from Laghman Mine represents the mineral in its most complete and authoritative form. Preserved as a full prismatic crystal, it displays the entire growth sequence from core to rim, allowing the observer to follow the evolution of colour, chemistry and structure exactly as it occurred during crystallisation deep within the Afghan pegmatitic environment. At its heart lies a vivid pink core, coloured by manganese rich fluids during the early stages of growth. This central zone is sharply defined and well saturated, forming the unmistakable nucleus that gives watermelon tourmaline its identity. Surrounding it, the crystal transitions outward into a green rim produced by iron and trace chromium or vanadium substitutions introduced during later growth phases. The result is a classic and highly legible watermelon zonation, concentric, natural and unambiguous, with colour boundaries that remain crisp rather than diffuse. Unlike sliced material, this complete crystal preserves the full three dimensional geometry of the tourmaline. The prismatic habit is clearly expressed, with strong vertical growth striations running parallel along the faces, recording steady and uninterrupted crystallisation. The cut termination reveals a clean cross section where the radial colour zoning can be admired directly, while the lateral views offer an equally compelling perspective, revealing the thickness and continuity of the pink core as it runs through the body of the crystal. One particular lateral view is especially striking, clearly illustrating the potential for future slices with excellent symmetry and colour distribution. Transparency ranges from translucent to locally transparent, allowing light to penetrate the crystal and activate its internal growth structures. Subtle internal veils and growth features are visible, entirely consistent with natural pegmatitic tourmaline and contributing to the specimen’s authenticity rather than detracting from it. The surface lustre varies from satin to vitreous, depending on orientation and light angle, enhancing both display and photographic presence. Formed within the renowned Afghan tourmaline belt, the Laghman region is known for producing watermelon tourmalines with strong saturation and well organised colour zoning. The chemical stability of the pegmatitic fluids in this locality, combined with gradual shifts in trace element availability, allowed this crystal to grow with clarity, balance and coherence, resulting in a specimen that stands well above typical production. Entirely natural, untreated and unenhanced, this crystal remains exactly as it emerged from the ground. It is not merely a fragment or a decorative section, but a complete geological record, preserved in crystalline form. Specifications: • Weight: 1.34 g • Weight in carats: 6.70 ct • Dimensions: 13 x 7 x 7 mm • Origin: Laghman Mine, Laghman Province, Afghanistan • Mineral species: Tourmaline • Variety: Elbaite • Crystal habit: Complete prismatic crystal • Termination: Cut termination revealing full radial colour zoning • Colour: Pink manganese rich core with green iron influenced outer rim • Colour zoning: Classic concentric watermelon structure, sharply defined • Transparency: Translucent to locally transparent • Lustre: Satin to vitreous • Condition: Natural, unpolished, untreated Notable Points: • Complete crystal integrity Unlike slices, this specimen preserves the full prismatic body of the tourmaline, maintaining its original growth geometry and three dimensional structure. • Classic watermelon zonation A well saturated pink core surrounded by a clearly defined green rim, forming a textbook example of natural watermelon tourmaline. • Chemical clarity of colour origin Pink coloration driven by manganese substitution, with green outer zones produced by iron and trace chromium or vanadium, reflecting distinct growth stages. • Radial colour continuity The colour zoning is not superficial; it extends consistently through the crystal, as clearly visible in lateral and cross sectional views. • Exceptional slice preview Side views of the crystal reveal potential future slices with approximately 7 mm diameter, showing excellent symmetry and colour balance. • Strong prismatic morphology Well developed vertical striations record steady pegmatitic growth and reinforce the crystal’s mineralogical authenticity. • Balanced transparency Light penetrates deeply enough to activate internal structures without washing out colour, enhancing both display and photographic impact. • Pegmatitic growth stability The sharp colour boundaries indicate stable fluid chemistry shifts rather than chaotic or interrupted crystallisation. • Afghan provenance significance Laghman Mine is part of the historic Afghan tourmaline belt, renowned for producing saturated and structurally coherent watermelon tourmalines. • Natural untreated state No dyes, no filling, no stabilisation. The crystal remains exactly as formed underground. • Rarity of complete form While slices are commonly encountered, complete watermelon tourmaline crystals of this quality are significantly rarer. • Collector and lapidary crossover appeal The specimen bridges the worlds of high level mineral collecting and advanced lapidary planning. Collector’s Interest: For collectors accustomed to watermelon tourmaline slices, this crystal represents a clear step up in both value and significance. Complete crystals offer something slices cannot: the full narrative of growth, chemistry and structure preserved in a single specimen. From the manganese rich core to the iron influenced rim, every stage of formation remains visible and intact. Material from Laghman Mine is particularly sought after due to its colour saturation and clarity of zoning. A specimen like this does not merely complement a collection, it elevates it, serving as a reference piece that demonstrates what watermelon tourmaline truly is in its natural, complete form. Lapidary Potential: This crystal offers substantial lapidary potential alongside its collector value. With a diameter of approximately 7 mm, it could yield multiple high quality watermelon tourmaline slices with strong colour contrast and excellent symmetry. The lateral photographs clearly illustrate the internal colour distribution, allowing lapidaries to visualise future slices before any cutting decision is made. In addition to slicing, the crystal could also be considered for a pendant or display oriented cut that preserves part of the prismatic structure. That said, any cutting would permanently alter the specimen’s integrity as a complete crystal. Its highest expression lies in its current state, where mineralogical completeness and lapidary potential coexist in rare balance. ————- Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post. • Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time with CTT service: between 5 to 7 business days within europe and worldwide, depending on destination national post. • A tracking number is always provided Photography and transparency: All photographs are taken under controlled lighting conditions using a macro lens, carefully selected to present each specimen as accurately as possible. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation are applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, replicating neutral daylight to reveal natural tones, surface features, and internal characteristics. Under warmer or weaker indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal. The purpose of this photographic process is documentation and representation, not visual enhancement. Images are intended to reflect the specimen faithfully as it appears under balanced natural light conditions. Identification and ethics: All specimens offered are natural and described to the best of our knowledge, based on direct sourcing, professional experience, and information provided by trusted suppliers working at the origin. Every effort is made to ensure transparency and accuracy regarding identification, locality, and general characteristics, avoiding misleading statements about treatment, provenance, or nature. 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 important. In the unlikely event of an issue such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us promptly through Catawiki’s messaging system. Each case is handled individually and fairly, with appropriate solutions offered when justified. Appreciation and commitment: We sincerely thank you for your trust. Our work focuses on careful selection, accurate representation, and respectful presentation of mineral specimens with character and interest. Each piece is chosen for its individual qualities rather than speculative or financial considerations. We aim to provide a transparent, reliable, and consistent experience for collectors at all levels. With gratitude, GemPulse Minerals