Description: Few gemstone varieties display their internal architecture as clearly as a fine Watermelon Tourmaline, and this specimen represents a particularly attractive example of that phenomenon. The crystal section reveals a remarkably well preserved sub hexagonal growth structure, where a vivid pink central core is naturally enclosed by a distinctly defined green outer rim. The result is a textbook expression of watermelon tourmaline formation, combining strong colour contrast, excellent zoning readability and natural crystallographic definition. At the centre of the specimen lies an intensely coloured pink core displaying vivid pink to magenta pink tones. The saturation is immediately noticeable, creating a strong focal point that dominates the visual character of the piece. Unlike many specimens where the core appears diffuse or weakly coloured, this example presents a concentrated and highly expressive nucleus that remains visible even under moderate lighting conditions. Surrounding the core is a narrow transitional zone that gently bridges the central pink area and the outer green boundary. This intermediate region enhances the perception of depth and growth history, allowing the different stages of crystal development to be observed with unusual clarity. The outer rim displays a vivid green colour with excellent saturation and continuity around the specimen. Rather than appearing dark or muted, the green remains fresh and lively, creating a striking contrast against the central pink zone. This relationship between the two colours is what defines the finest examples of Watermelon Tourmaline and gives the variety its enduring popularity among collectors. One of the most appealing characteristics of this specimen is its natural internal luminosity. Even without direct transmitted light, the crystal displays an attractive internal brightness that enhances both colours simultaneously. When illuminated from behind, the optical performance becomes even more impressive. The pink core intensifies dramatically while the green rim becomes brighter and more vibrant, producing a vivid chromatic display that highlights the exceptional quality of the zoning. The sub hexagonal geometry remains clearly visible throughout the cross section. This six sided growth architecture is a direct expression of the crystal's natural development and adds significant collector appeal. Such well defined structural preservation allows the specimen to function not only as a gemstone crystal but also as an excellent crystallographic example. Fine growth features, natural inclusions and internal textures remain visible within the specimen, providing authenticity and reinforcing its geological origin. These characteristics contribute additional visual complexity without disrupting the overall harmony of the colour zoning. Recovered from the famous Cruzeiro Mine, São José da Safira, Minas Gerais, Brazil, this specimen represents one of the most recognised and desirable expressions of natural Watermelon Tourmaline. The combination of vivid pink, vibrant green, strong transparency and well preserved crystal architecture creates a piece that is both aesthetically striking and mineralogically significant. Specifications: • Weight: 0.26 g • Weight in carats: 1.30 ct • Dimensions: 7 × 7 × 3 mm • Origin: Cruzeiro Mine, São José da Safira, Minas Gerais, Brazil • Mineral species: Tourmaline • Variety: Watermelon Tourmaline • Crystal system: Trigonal • Form: Natural crystal cross section • Core structure: Well defined sub hexagonal vivid pink core • Colour zoning: Concentric zoning • Colour sequence: Vivid pink core, transitional halo, vivid green outer rim • Transparency: Translucent to locally transparent • Lustre: Vitreous • Treatment: None • Condition: Natural, intact specimen Notable Points: • Exceptionally well defined sub hexagonal core structure Natural six sided crystal architecture remains clearly visible across the specimen. • Vivid pink to magenta pink central core Displays strong saturation and excellent visual presence. • Bright vivid green outer rim Creates outstanding contrast against the central pink zone. • Textbook watermelon tourmaline zoning One of the clearest expressions of classic pink and green colour distribution. • Strong natural internal luminosity The specimen remains visually bright even without direct backlighting. • Excellent optical response under transmitted light Colours intensify significantly when illuminated from behind. • Highly readable growth structure Individual growth zones can be observed with exceptional clarity. • Attractive concentric colour arrangement The zoning appears balanced and naturally harmonious. • Natural crystallographic preservation Maintains important structural features of the original crystal. • Fine internal textures and inclusions Contribute authenticity and mineralogical interest. • Cruzeiro Mine provenance Originating from one of the most famous tourmaline localities in the world. • Outstanding collector presentation Combines colour, structure and transparency in a highly desirable manner. Collector’s Interest: Watermelon Tourmalines displaying both strong colour contrast and clearly preserved crystal architecture are among the most desirable examples of the variety. Collectors place particular value on specimens where the zoning remains immediately readable and where the relationship between the central core and the outer rim can be observed without ambiguity. This specimen distinguishes itself through the intensity of its vivid pink core, the freshness of its green outer zone and the unusually well preserved sub hexagonal geometry. Together, these characteristics create a crystal section that serves as both an attractive display specimen and an excellent example of tourmaline growth dynamics. The Cruzeiro Mine provenance further enhances its desirability. This locality has produced some of the world's most celebrated watermelon tourmalines, and specimens exhibiting such strong colour separation and structural definition remain highly sought after by collectors of both minerals and gemstones. Lapidary Potential: The transparency and colour saturation suggest excellent lapidary possibilities. A skilled cutter could potentially utilise the vivid pink core and contrasting green rim to create a gemstone displaying highly desirable multicolour effects. However, any cutting would permanently remove the natural zoning geometry and the crystallographic features that currently define the specimen. The preserved sub hexagonal architecture, combined with the exceptional readability of the colour distribution, makes the crystal particularly valuable in its natural state. For this reason, its greatest significance may lie not only in its gemstone potential but also in its preservation as a complete and highly representative example of premium Watermelon Tourmaline formation. ——————— 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. 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