Bluecap watermelon tourmaline (classic find)

Item Description

This is a classic specimen from the famous late-1990s pocket of bluecaps found in the Sapo Mine and never seen since. These represent one of the most famous, most distinct, most sought-after finds of tourmaline since the Maine greens, Jonas reds and the California bluecaps of the 1970s. Out of hundreds of pockets found since then, if not thousands, can most people honestly name another by pocket, and expect every other collector to instantly know which tourmaline style they refer to? At 11 grams, this is a really cute example accented with lepidolites on one side. To those familiar with these over the years, you know these are now rare as hens teeth and go for super premiums. The cranberry-pink base is actually sheathed in green, making this a watermelon tourmaline. The gemmy and lustrous, teal-blue zone is below the matte/etched, dark purple termination. Complete all-around and nearly pristine, with only a tiny scuff on the termination. The 2009 Mineralogical Record article on this locale has definitely increased their value. The color variations are striking! valued $1250-1500