Bluecap watermelon Tourmaline (classic find)

Item Description

Watermelon bluecaps 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 13.76 carats mass, this is a really cute thumbnail example accented with lepidolites on the termination. 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 glassy/etched, dark purple termination. Complete all-around and pristine, with only a light contact on one side, where another crystal once, but with no damage. The 2009 Mineralogical Record article on this locale has definitely increased their value. The color variations are striking! They tend to retail for $1000 per centimeter