DESCRIPTION: This natural Watermelon Tourmaline crystal displays a remarkably well defined colour architecture, combining an intense pink nucleus with a transparent green outer zone preserved within a complete prismatic crystal. The relationship between these two colours is immediately visible and remains highly legible throughout the specimen, creating one of the most sought after expressions of natural elbaite zoning. At the centre of the crystal lies a richly saturated pink core, displaying tonalities that range from raspberry pink to vivid pink depending on lighting conditions and viewing angle. The colour possesses excellent internal brightness and remains clearly visible through both the crystal body and the termination, giving the specimen a strong visual identity. Surrounding the nucleus is a transparent green outer zone whose appearance varies naturally as the crystal rotates. Under standard illumination, the colour presents fresh green tonalities with subtle variation throughout the prism. When exposed to transmitted light, however, the transformation becomes significantly more dramatic. The pink nucleus intensifies into a vivid pink while the surrounding green zone becomes considerably brighter, producing the classic chromatic contrast that has made Watermelon Tourmaline one of the most desirable varieties of elbaite. The crystal preserves a well defined prismatic habit with clearly visible longitudinal growth striations extending along the prism faces. These natural growth features record the crystal's formation history while contributing texture, authenticity and optical character to the specimen. Viewed through the termination, the internal architecture becomes especially attractive. The vivid pink centre remains sharply distinguishable from the surrounding green zone, allowing the zoning pattern to be observed with exceptional clarity. This relationship between core and rim remains continuous and naturally balanced throughout the crystal. Internally, delicate growth features and natural inclusions contribute additional depth and authenticity without disrupting the visual harmony of the specimen. Their presence reinforces the natural origin of the crystal and enhances the perception of internal structure. Recovered from the Cruzeiro Mine, São José da Safira, Minas Gerais, Brazil, one of the world's most important sources of gem quality elbaite tourmalines, this crystal represents a highly aesthetic and well preserved example of natural watermelon colour zoning. This is a specimen where colour, transparency and crystal habit coexist in exceptional harmony, creating a piece of strong mineralogical significance and immediate visual appeal. SPECIFICATIONS: • Weight: 0.28 g • Weight in carats: 1.40 ct • Dimensions: 7 × 4 × 4 mm • Origin: Cruzeiro Mine, São José da Safira, Minas Gerais, Brazil • Mineral species: Tourmaline • Variety: Watermelon Tourmaline (Elbaite) • Crystal system: Trigonal • Form: Natural prismatic crystal • Core structure: Intense pink central nucleus • Colour zoning: Longitudinal and concentric zoning • Colour sequence: Pink core surrounded by green outer zone • Core colour: Raspberry pink to vivid pink • Outer colour: Fresh green shifting to vivid green under transmitted light • Transparency: Translucent to locally transparent • Lustre: Vitreous • Surface features: Natural longitudinal growth striations • Treatment: None • Condition: Natural crystal NOTABLE POINTS: • Distinct and highly readable Watermelon Tourmaline colour architecture • Intense pink nucleus visible through both the crystal body and termination • Strong vivid pink activation under transmitted light • Transparent green outer zone with excellent colour definition • Vivid green transformation under backlighting • Classic pink and green chromatic contrast highly sought after in elbaite • Well preserved natural prismatic crystal habit • Clearly visible longitudinal growth striations • Excellent readability of internal zoning through the termination • Natural internal growth features enhancing geological authenticity • Untreated crystal preserving original colour and structure • Highly photogenic specimen with exceptional light interaction COLLECTOR'S INTEREST: Watermelon Tourmalines displaying clearly defined internal zoning are among the most desirable members of the elbaite family. Collectors particularly value crystals where the relationship between the pink nucleus and the surrounding green zone remains easily observable and naturally preserved. This specimen stands out through the clarity of its internal architecture and the quality of its colour contrast. The vivid pink centre remains immediately recognisable, while the transparent green outer zone frames the crystal with exceptional balance and harmony. Its behaviour under transmitted light further enhances its appeal. As illumination passes through the crystal, both colour zones intensify, revealing a vivid chromatic display that highlights the natural growth history preserved within the specimen. For collectors of Brazilian tourmalines, colour zoned elbaite crystals and naturally preserved gem crystals, this specimen represents a highly attractive example of classic Watermelon Tourmaline formation. LAPIDARY POTENTIAL: Although the crystal possesses attractive transparency and colour saturation, its primary value resides in the preservation of its natural crystal habit and its highly legible watermelon zoning. Any cutting would inevitably remove part of the relationship between the vivid pink nucleus and the surrounding green zone that defines the specimen's identity. The natural prism faces, growth striations and original crystal architecture would also be altered. For this reason, the crystal is best appreciated and preserved in its natural state, where its complete mineralogical, aesthetic and geological character remains fully visible. ——————— 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. 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