Description: This remarkable watermelon tourmaline slice presents itself as a natural chromatic cross section of a gem crystal, where growth, chemistry and light converge in a composition of exceptional clarity and visual authority. The specimen reveals a fully developed internal architecture, preserved with striking precision and expressed through a rare balance of saturation, translucency and structural definition. At the centre, a richly saturated pink core dominates the visual field, displaying a vivid chromatic intensity that shifts subtly with light orientation. Depending on the angle of illumination, the tone transitions between deep raspberry pink and brighter, more luminous rose, creating a dynamic internal presence rather than a static colour field. The core itself is not uniform, but gently textured, allowing light to diffuse within it and generate a soft internal glow. Encircling this nucleus is a remarkably fine transitional zone, a delicate pale boundary measuring less than a millimetre in thickness. This subtle white to near colourless halo acts as a natural separation between compositional phases, marking a distinct shift in growth conditions. Its continuity and precision are particularly notable, providing a clean visual delineation that enhances both contrast and depth. Beyond this boundary, the crystal transitions into a vibrant outer zone characterised by a yellow green hue, with clear golden undertones. This outer layer is highly expressive under light, shifting between fresh green and warm yellow green depending on illumination intensity. The interplay between this luminous outer zone and the saturated pink core creates the classic watermelon effect, here rendered with exceptional clarity and chromatic balance. The overall form of the slice is equally significant. Rather than presenting as a simple flat section, the specimen retains a strong sense of volume and structural integrity. Its outline follows a naturally irregular yet harmonious geometry, reflecting the original prism of the crystal while maintaining a balanced and visually compelling silhouette. The thickness of the slice reinforces its presence, giving it substance and dimensional weight beyond that of typical thin sections. Along the lateral surfaces, fine parallel striations are clearly visible, running longitudinally and confirming the prismatic origin of the crystal. These natural growth features add both texture and mineralogical credibility, anchoring the piece firmly in its geological context. Under transmitted light, the transformation is immediate and striking. The central pink core becomes intensely luminous, almost radiant, while the surrounding halo softens and the outer green zone gains vibrancy and transparency. This optical response enhances the perception of depth and reinforces the layered structure of the specimen. Sourced from Minas Gerais, Brazil, a region internationally recognised for producing some of the finest tourmalines, this specimen stands out through its scale, clarity of zoning and exceptional chromatic contrast. This is not merely a colour zoned tourmaline. It is a natural section through crystal growth itself, preserved with a level of definition and visual harmony that places it firmly within a museum grade context. Specifications: • Weight: 1.58 g • Weight in carats: 7.90 ct • Dimensions: 12 × 12 × 5.5 mm • Origin: Minas Gerais, Brazil • Mineral species: Tourmaline • Variety: Watermelon Tourmaline • Crystal system: Trigonal • Form: Natural crystal slice with preserved volume • Core structure: Saturated pink central core • Colour zoning: Concentric multistage zoning • Colour sequence: Pink core, ultra thin pale transitional halo, yellow green outer zone • Transparency: Translucent to locally transparent • Lustre: Vitreous • Surface features: Natural lateral striations and growth textures • Treatment: None • Condition: Natural, intact slice Notable Points: • Large scale watermelon tourmaline slice with strong visual presence The specimen stands out immediately due to its size and balanced proportions, uncommon for pieces with such clean zoning • Highly saturated pink core with dynamic tonal variation The central area shifts between raspberry and bright rose depending on light, creating a vivid and lively chromatic effect • Exceptionally fine and continuous transitional halo A sub millimetric pale boundary cleanly separates the core from the outer zone, enhancing contrast and structural readability • Distinct yellow green outer zone with golden undertones The external layer displays a vibrant and luminous colour that responds dynamically to illumination • Classic yet highly refined watermelon zoning The colour sequence is clearly defined, balanced and aesthetically powerful, representing a textbook yet elevated example • Strong three dimensional presence despite sliced form The thickness of the piece provides volume and avoids the flat appearance typical of thinner sections • Natural crystal outline with harmonious irregular geometry The shape reflects the original crystal growth while maintaining visual balance and aesthetic appeal • Visible longitudinal striations on lateral faces Clear growth markings confirm prismatic origin and add geological authenticity • Excellent light interaction and internal luminosity Under transmitted light the specimen becomes highly expressive, revealing depth and internal structure • Minas Gerais provenance A world renowned locality for high quality tourmaline, reinforcing the significance of the specimen • Untreated and fully natural No enhancement or modification, preserving original structure and colour zoning • Museum grade visual composition The combination of scale, zoning clarity and chromatic contrast elevates the specimen beyond standard collector material Collector’s Interest: Watermelon tourmalines are among the most recognisable and sought after expressions of colour zoning in minerals, yet truly exceptional specimens remain rare. What distinguishes this piece is not only the presence of classic zoning, but the precision with which it is expressed. The sharply defined transitions, the balance between saturation and translucency, and the unusual thickness of the slice combine to create a specimen that is both visually striking and mineralogically significant. It offers a complete reading of crystal growth, where each phase is clearly recorded and preserved. Its scale further enhances its importance, placing it well above the more common small or thin slices typically encountered on the market. This is a piece that commands attention both as a display specimen and as a study object. Lapidary Potential: Although the material contains attractive colour, any cutting or transformation would irreversibly destroy the concentric zoning and the delicate balance between core, halo and outer structure. The value of this specimen lies entirely in its preservation as a natural crystal section. It represents a complete and legible record of growth processes that cannot be replicated once altered, making it far more significant in its current state than as any faceted or reshaped material. ——————— 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. Appreciation and commitment: We sincerely thank you for your trust and preference. Our goal is to continuously bring you some of the most beautiful, unique, and exceptional mineral specimens from around the world. Each piece is carefully selected for its quality and character, ensuring that every purchase meets the highest standards. Your satisfaction and confidence are our top priorities, and we will always strive to exceed your expectations with every order. With gratitude, GemPulse Minerals