Bluecap watermelon Tourmaline w/ Lepidolite (classic find)

Item Description

Gorgeous, bluecap watermelon tourmalines from the famous late 1990s finds at the Sapo Mine are some of the most recognizable and desirable tourmalines in the world, along with Jonas reds, California bluecaps from the 1970s and Pederneira Mine specimens. Out of hundreds of tourmaline pockets found, 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 54.53 carats or nearly 11 grams mass, this is a really cute thumbnail example is dramatically accented with lepidolites on the termination and the sides. To those familiar with these over the years, you know these are now rare as hens teeth and go for super premiums. The pretty pink base is actually sheathed in green, making this a watermelon tourmaline. The gemmy and lustrous, teal-blue zone is below the etched, matte dark purple termination. Complete all-around and nearly pristine, with only a trivial bit of bruising near the termination on the back side. The 2009 Mineralogical Record article on this locale has definitely increased their value. The color variations are striking! They tend to retail for $500-1000 per centimeter. Seldom on the market today!