Interiors & Decorations

Jewellery & Precious Stones

Watches, Pens & Lighters

Fashion

Coins & Stamps

Comics & Animation

Classic Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia

Wine, Whisky & Spirits

Asian & Tribal Art

Trading Cards

Toys & Models

Archaeology & Natural History

Sports

Music, Movies & Cameras

Books & Historical Memorabilia

The millions of stories that Minerals convey, brought to you by {name}.

Georgia Foteinou

Description:
Defined by a striking interplay between structure and internal character, this milky green tourmaline presents itself as a highly expressive natural crystal, where opacity, zoning and light interaction combine to create a visually distinctive and technically engaging specimen.

From the very first observation, the body reveals a predominantly milky and opalescent appearance, with a soft, diffused translucency that gives the crystal a gentle, almost ethereal presence. This milky character is not a flaw but a defining feature, scattering light across the internal structure and creating a subtle, glowing depth rather than direct transparency.

What elevates this piece significantly is the vivid green core that emerges when the crystal is illuminated from behind. Under transmitted light, the lower section transforms dramatically, revealing a vibrant lime green zone that appears almost hidden within the body, only becoming fully visible through interaction with light. This contrast between the soft milky exterior and the luminous internal green creates a dynamic visual effect that evolves depending on lighting conditions.

The upper section transitions into a pale, slightly pinkish to whitish cap, forming a gentle chromatic gradient along the crystal’s vertical axis. This zoning reflects natural variations during growth, where shifts in chemical conditions are recorded directly within the structure, giving the piece a clear geological narrative.

Structurally, the crystal displays a well developed prismatic habit, with elongated vertical geometry and clearly defined longitudinal striations running continuously along its faces. These natural growth lines guide light along the length of the crystal, enhancing its verticality and reinforcing its elegant, columnar presence.

A particularly notable feature is the presence of a secondary crystal growth fused along the lower section of the main prism. This intergrowth appears as a partially developed, almost inverted attachment, adding complexity and depth to the overall morphology. Such formations are highly valued from a mineralogical perspective, as they reflect multi phase growth conditions within the host environment.

Despite its predominantly opaque to translucent nature, the crystal maintains a vitreous lustre across its surfaces, expressed through soft reflections that interact delicately with the striated texture. The result is a piece that does not rely on clarity, but rather on structure, zoning and light response to establish its visual impact.

Originating from the pegmatite fields of Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan, this specimen reflects the unique diversity of tourmaline formation in the region, where complex zoning and varied transparency levels are frequently observed. Pakistani tourmalines are known for their structural variety and distinctive internal features, both of which are clearly present in this piece.

This is a crystal that tells its story through form and internal composition, offering a layered visual experience that reveals more with each change in light and angle.

Specifications:
• Weight: 1.75 g
• Weight in carats: 8.75 ct
• Dimensions: 58 × 8 × 6 mm
• Origin: Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan
• Mineral: Tourmaline (Elbaite)
• Crystal habit: Elongated prismatic crystal
• Structure: Vertical prism with intergrown secondary crystal
• Colour: Milky white with internal vivid green zoning and pale pinkish cap
• Colour behaviour: Green core intensifies under transmitted light
• Transparency: Opaque to translucent
• Lustre: Vitreous
• Surface features: Strong longitudinal striations
• Condition: Natural, untreated, unpolished

Notable Points:
• Distinct milky white body
Soft opalescent appearance defining the overall visual identity of the crystal
• Hidden vivid green core
Internal green zone revealed dramatically under backlighting
• Dynamic light interaction
Appearance changes significantly depending on lighting conditions
• Natural vertical colour zoning
Clear transition between green base and pale upper section
• Elongated prismatic crystal habit
Elegant vertical structure typical of elbaite tourmaline
• Well defined longitudinal striations
Continuous growth lines enhancing structure and light flow
• Secondary crystal intergrowth
Partially developed crystal fused to the main prism
• Complex growth history
Visible evidence of multi phase crystallisation
• Strong structural presence
Dominance of form over transparency
• Vitreous surface lustre
Soft reflective quality across natural crystal faces
• Light scattering effect
Milky body diffuses light rather than transmitting it directly
•Responsive to backlighting
Internal features become significantly more pronounced
• Pakistani pegmatite origin
Region known for structurally diverse tourmaline crystals
• Balanced and elongated proportions
Visually stable and display friendly geometry
• Unique aesthetic character
Combination of opacity, zoning and structure creates individuality

Collector’s Interest:
Tourmalines from Pakistan are widely appreciated for their diversity in structure and internal composition, often displaying characteristics that differ significantly from more transparent, gem oriented material. This specimen stands out through its emphasis on structure, zoning and light interaction rather than clarity alone.

The presence of a vivid internal green core, combined with a milky outer body and a subtle upper colour shift, creates a layered visual experience that rewards careful observation. The intergrown secondary crystal further enhances its appeal, offering insight into the natural growth conditions within the pegmatite environment.

For collectors, this piece represents a strong example of structural and geological expression within the tourmaline group, where complexity and natural formation take precedence over conventional gem criteria.

Lapidary Potential:
While the internal green zone suggests that selective cutting could reveal areas of colour, the predominantly milky nature of the crystal would limit transparency in faceted form.

The true value of this specimen lies in its natural structure, zoning and growth features. Preserving it in its original state maintains both its geological integrity and its unique visual identity, making it far more suitable as a collector’s mineral specimen than as cutting 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 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 

Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan

Milky Green Tourmaline • 8.75 ct • No Reserve Price - Height: 28 mm - Width: 8 mm- 1.75 g - (1)

Postcards

Reserve price

No reserve price

Closing date

Tuesday

Monday

today

Sunday

Budget

From

Location

The Netherlands

Italy

Belgium

France

Portugal

Austria

Latvia

Ukraine

Object

Postcard

Postcard album

Print

Country of origin

Germany

Eritrea

Switzerland

Ethiopia

Poland

Condition

Fine condition

Good condition

Fine

Good

Accessories (New)

Very good

Excellent condition

Period

2020+

Subject

City & Landscape

Africa

Europe

Landscape

Advertising

Animals

Castles & Monuments

Miscellaneous

Trains/ Railways

Seasonal holidays

Women (Women at work, in the army, dressed like men, in penal colony,...)

Style

Street art

Technique

Mixed technique

Signature

Not signed

Edition

Limited edition

1900-2000

1400-1900

After 2000

Sold by

Owner or reseller

Various greetings – A very nice collection of 137 celluloid greeting cards, both written and blank. - Postcard (137) - 1908-1943

Switzerland - Jungfraubahn - Railway - Embroidery factory - Postcard (100) - 1900-1955

Switzerland - Postcard (100) - 1900-1970

Italy - Military propaganda postcard RSI Italian Social Republic Mussolini 1944 Republican fascism - Postcard (1) - 1944-1944

Handmade international cards and 'booklets', many with embossing and a nice overall finish. - Postcard (50) - 1910-1950

Landscape - Postcard (140) - 1900-1999

Banksy (1974) - 2 Sets of stamps and postcards about war in Ukraine - Postcard - 2023-2023

France - "La Belle Époque" Casinos & Thermal Baths - Europe - Postcard (100) - 1900-1960

Italy, Eritrea - Africa - Ten postcards from Massawa, Eritrea, plus a postcard of the 22nd Eritrean Battalion, Royal Corps of - Postcard album (10) - 1912-1930

Protective sleeves for postcards - Postcard album - 2026-2026

France - Private collection of antique French postcards, animated and non-animated, including villages, - Postcard album (115) - 1901-1950

Maritime liners and ships - Postcard (100) - 1900-1970

Mixed technique - Not signed

Banksy (1974) - ПТН ПНХ! FCK PTN! - Full Set Postage Stamps (6pcs)+envelope+postcard+card game–Limited edition, graffiti by Banksy rare

France - The Sea - Ships - Boats - Ports - Maritime - Postcard (100) - 1900-1950

France - City & Landscape - Postcard (650) - 1902-1960

France - Private collection of antique French postcards with lively scenes: ships, villages, views, sea, and - Postcard album (130) - 1901-1960

Rembrandt Collection: very old postcards, Art - Postcard (74) - 1899-1940

bullfighting - Postcard (65) - 1900-1999

Flowers - Postcard (143) - 1900-1999

Religion - Religious Education - Jesus, Mary, Saints, Biblical prophecies - Postcard (160) - 1910-1960

Dog cart - Postcard (24) - 1900-1999

Picture postcards and photographs from days gone by. - Postcard (151) - 1899-1958

Italy, Germany - Propaganda postcard of the Italian Social Republic (RSI), Italian workers in Germany, 1944, mailed. - Postcard (1) - 1944-1944

Eritrea, Ethiopia, Italy - Africa - Colonial military postcard, 1938, large format, unused, 11th Indigenous Battalion, Italy. - Postcard (1) - 1941-1936

Dutch & Belgian Postcards

International Postcards

Postcards

This object is no longer available, but there’s still lots to explore

Milky Green Tourmaline • 8.75 ct • No Reserve Price - Height: 28 mm - Width: 8 mm- 1.75 g - (1)

60 objects

Related collections