Description: As if the Earth had stacked layers of green light one upon another, this extraordinary watermelon tourmaline crystal reveals a vertical stratigraphy of colour that reads like a geological score written in mineral form. From base to termination, the crystal displays a clear and ascending sequence of green tonalities, each layer recording a distinct phase of growth, chemistry and environmental conditions during its formation. Unlike uniform green tourmalines, this specimen is defined by internal colour zoning from core to rim, a key characteristic that places it firmly within the watermelon tourmaline classification despite the absence of pink or red hues. Watermelon tourmaline is not defined by colour alone, but by radial and concentric zoning produced by chemical evolution during growth, and this crystal expresses that criterion with clarity and authority. At the inner core, the tourmaline presents a medium to slightly deeper green, cleanly differentiated from the surrounding zones. Moving outward, the colour transitions into lighter, more luminous green bands before culminating at the outermost zone and termination in a noticeably darker, iron rich green, approaching near black under normal lighting. This darker external zone is not a core feature but a late growth phase, concentrated toward the rim and termination, where light absorption increases significantly. Under natural light, the crystal reads as layered and structured, with each green band clearly distinguishable. When backlit, the internal zoning becomes dramatically apparent, revealing growth planes, stratified colour steps and natural internal inclusions consistent with pegmatitic crystallisation. Rather than obscuring the colour, transmitted light activates the crystal, allowing the observer to follow the vertical and radial progression of its formation. The crystal is preserved as a natural prismatic form, with strong longitudinal striations running parallel to the c axis, recording uninterrupted directional growth. The termination is present and legible, and one face hosts a natural quartz association, reinforcing the pegmatitic environment of origin and confirming the specimen’s untouched state. This is not a verdelite. It is not a homogeneous green tourmaline. It is a zoned, chemically stratified watermelon tourmaline crystal, whose identity lies in structure, not surface colour. The specimen stands as a complete mineralogical record, where colour, habit and internal architecture remain intact and readable. Specifications: • Weight: 2.97 g • Weight in carats: 14.85 ct • Dimensions: 22 × 9 × 9 mm • Origin: Nuristan, Afghanistan • Mineral species: Tourmaline • Variety: Elbaite • Classification: Watermelon tourmaline based on internal colour zoning • Crystal system: Trigonal • Crystal habit: Natural prismatic crystal • Termination: Present and intact • Colour: Multi zoned green with ascending tonal stratification • Colour zoning: Inner medium green core transitioning through lighter green zones to a darker outer green rim and termination • Transparency: Translucent to locally transparent • Lustre: Vitreous to satin depending on orientation • Inclusions: Natural growth features and internal veils Notable Points: • Complete natural prismatic Elbaite Tourmaline crystal • Clear longitudinal colour zoning along the c axis • Multiple green growth zones visible as distinct stratified bands • Darker green zone concentrated near the termination • Lighter green to yellow green zones toward the mid and lower sections • Colour zoning visible both in reflected light and transmitted backlight • Strong longitudinal growth striations on prismatic faces • Natural surface with no polishing or surface enhancement • Internal growth features consistent with pegmatitic crystallisation • Presence of natural inclusions and growth interruptions • No evidence of cutting except the stabilised base for display • Colour distribution incompatible with uniform green verdelite • Zoning structure consistent with watermelon type growth definition • Pegmatitic habit characteristic of Nuristan tourmaline material • Entirely natural untreated crystal in original growth state Collector’s Interest: For collectors, this specimen offers something far more compelling than a simple colour specimen. It presents a complete, readable growth narrative, preserved in crystal form. Green watermelon tourmalines are significantly less common than pink green examples, and crystals that express zoning so clearly without cutting are rarer still. This piece rewards close inspection. It is a specimen that educates as much as it impresses, appealing to collectors focused on growth mechanisms, colour chemistry and natural crystal architecture. Its prismatic completeness and visible zoning elevate it beyond decorative material into the realm of serious mineralogical interest. Lapidary Potential: While the crystal could theoretically yield zoned slices, any cutting would permanently erase the vertical growth record that defines its value. The stratified colour progression, termination integrity and surface striations would be compromised by slicing. Its highest and most honest expression lies in its current state as a natural crystal specimen. Here, collector value and geological integrity are fully preserved, allowing the piece to be appreciated as a complete and unaltered product of its environment. ————- 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