Everything You Need To Know About
Watermelon Tourmaline

Watermelon Tourmaline Rough Specimen

Watermelon Tourmaline Rough Specimen 

Table of Contents

  • What is Watermelon Tourmaline
  • How Does Watermelon Tourmaline Form?
  • Where Does Watermelon Tourmaline Come From?
  • What is Watermelon Tourmaline Worth?
  • Where Can I Buy Watermelon Tourmaline

From the high plateaus of Afghanistan to the humid rainforests of Brazil to the mountainous upcountry of Sri Lanka, tourmaline, one of the most sought-after precious gemstones, stands as a testament to the beauty of its diverse origins. With a stunning spectrum of hues, high-quality tourmaline gemstones offer sensational clarity and brilliance. Unlike some other popular precious gemstones, tourmaline is more commonly found in larger cuts, making it an attractive option for creating bigger and bolder custom jewellery.

 With its 30 mineral varieties, including Chrome Tourmaline, Paraiba Tourmaline, Indicolite, Rubellite and Watermelon Tourmaline, this gemstone offers a kaleidoscope of visual possibilities alongside its exceptional beauty.

1. What is Watermelon Tourmaline?

Watermelon tourmaline is a rare variety known for its striking resemblance to a watermelon's cross-section. This unique natural gemstone features a vibrant green outer layer encircling a luscious pinkish-red centre, often separated by a pale white band. The effect is natural, created by crystal-chemical composition variations as it forms deep within the Earth.

Watermelon Tourmaline Faceted Gemstone

2.  How Does Watermelon Tourmaline Form?

As the tourmaline crystal grows in the Earth's crust, the conditions in its environment—such as temperature, pressure, and the availability of trace elements, change over time. The sudden contrast in colour in watermelon tourmaline is due to shifts in the mineral's chemical composition during its formation.

These trace elements, particularly manganese, iron, and lithium, influence the colours of tourmaline.

For watermelon tourmaline: The pinkish-red core forms first due to the presence of manganese. Later, the outer layer develops, typically in green hues, as iron or other elements dominate the surrounding environment. The thin white band sometimes seen between the pink and green layers marks a transitional phase in growth where conditions shifted abruptly. 

This natural process, driven by the geological forces beneath the Earth's surface, is a testament to the intricate and fascinating processes that create watermelon tourmaline, making it a true geological wonder.

Watermelon Tourmaline on Matrix

Watermelon Tourmaline Crystal Growing on Matrix

3. Where Does Watermelon Tourmaline Come From?

Watermelon tourmaline is found in a handful of locations around the Earth, often in regions known for producing high-quality tourmaline crystals. Some of the most notable sources include:

Brazil is a top producer of vibrant watermelon tourmaline, renowned for its size and clarity, particularly in the Minas Gerais region.

Madagascar: Known for high-quality specimens of watermelon tourmaline with striking colour contrasts.

Nigeria: Produces fine watermelon tourmaline, often with saturated and vivid hues.

Afghanistan and Pakistan: These countries, especially the mountainous areas, yield beautiful bi-colour and watermelon tourmalines. Prices for watermelon tourmaline of Afghanistan origin are high.

United States: California and Maine have historically produced watermelon tourmaline, with Maine's deposits prized for their rich pink and green hues.

Watermelon Tourmaline Faceted Gemstone

4. What is Watermelon Tourmaline Worth?

Watermelon tourmaline that displays strong and even saturation of colours and good clarity is deemed the most desirable, and prices will reflect that. Because there are many variances in intensity, colour, and colour distribution, prices fluctuate and very much come down to the individual piece. A clean watermelon tourmaline with clean clarity and a pale colour will retail at $280 USD per carat upwards. A watermelon tourmaline visable natural inclusions will retail at $110 USD per carat upwards. Larger watermelon tourmalines that are clean with strong saturation of colour will retail at $700 USD per carat upwards.

Is Watermelon Tourmaline Suitable for a Ring?

Watermelon Tourmaline is rated at 7-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it a hard gemstone suitable for everyday wear. In saying this, watermelon tourmaline can sometimes feature inclusions, which are naturally internal markings that can, depending on the inclusion, affect the gemstone's durability. Watermelon tourmaline with inclusions should be set into jewellery in a design that protects the integrity of the gemstones, as it is exposed to general wear and tear.

1.99ct Watermelon Tourmaline

$1,028.00

Gem Type: Natural Tourmaline

Colour: Pink and Green (Watermelon)

Carat Weight: 1.99

Shape: Cushion

Cut: Fancy

Clarity: Lightly Included (Eye Clean)

Measurements: 7.90 x 6.70 x 4.60mm

Origin: Afghanistan 

Lab Certification: Available on Request

Mined from deep within the earth, then lovingly hand-faceted into a clean, fancy cut to reveal its exquisite hidden brilliance, let this 1.99ct Watermelon Tourmaline be your moment-defining treasure.

Intrigued by the delightful flashes of green nestled among its gorgeous pink hue, we adored this gemstone the moment it crossed our desk during our 2024 Thailand buying trip. Presented in a larger lot, we carefully curated the most striking watermelon tourmaline pieces for The Sapphire Merchant collection.

Whether you are creating the ultimate gift of self-love or a proclamation of devotion, such as an engagement ring, we entwine your nuanced needs with our creativity. Let this rare watermelon tourmaline honour your story by allowing us the privilege of hand-crafting it into a bespoke, artisan jewellery piece, marking a moment of significance in your life for now and for generations to come.

1.99ct Watermelon Tourmaline Afghanistan Origin
1.99ct Watermelon Tourmaline Afghanistan Origin
1.99ct Watermelon Tourmaline Afghanistan Origin
1.99ct Watermelon Tourmaline Afghanistan Origin
1.99ct Watermelon Tourmaline Afghanistan Origin
1.99ct Watermelon Tourmaline Afghanistan Origin

5. Where Can I Buy A Watermelon Tourmaline?

High-quality watermelon tourmaline crystals are a rare occurrence in nature, and like all rare gems, finding a beautiful specimen can take time and patience. At The Sapphire Merchant, we hunt Earth's rarest and most beautiful precious gemstones. If you have specific requirements for a watermelon tourmaline, contact us, and we will source the perfect option for you.

8.63ct Watermelon Tourmaline Emerald Cut Africa Origin
8.63ct Watermelon Tourmaline Emerald Cut Africa Origin
8.63ct Watermelon Tourmaline Emerald Cut Africa Origin
8.63ct Watermelon Tourmaline Emerald Cut Africa Origin
8.63ct Watermelon Tourmaline Emerald Cut Africa Origin
8.63ct Watermelon Tourmaline Emerald Cut Africa Origin
8.63ct Watermelon Tourmaline Emerald Cut Africa Origin
8.63ct Watermelon Tourmaline Emerald Cut Africa Origin

8.63ct Watermelon Tourmaline

$1,660.00

Gem Type: Natural Tourmaline

Colour: Pink, Yellow and Green (Watermelon)

Carat Weight: 2.13

Shape: Octagon

Cut: Emerald

Clarity: Moderate Inclusions 

Measurements: 13.22 x 8.95 x 7.02mm

Origin: Africa

Lab Certification: GFCO Gem Lab AD10257P

Mined from deep within the earth, then lovingly hand-faceted into a sleek emerald cut to reveal its exquisite hidden brilliance, let this 8.63ct Watermelon Tourmaline be your moment-defining treasure.

The experts at the GFCO Gem Lab carefully assessed and certified this tourmaline to ensure its authenticity, giving you assured confidence in your precious gemstone investment.

Whether you are creating the ultimate gift of self-love or a proclamation of devotion, such as an engagement ring, we entwine your nuanced needs with our creativity. Let this rare watermelon tourmaline honour your story by allowing us the privilege of hand-crafting it into a bespoke, artisan jewellery piece, marking a moment of significance in your life for now and for generations to come.