Watermelon tourmaline is a specific color-zoned variety of elbaite tourmaline characterized by a pink core surrounded by a green outer rim. Collectors prize it for its striking resemblance to a watermelon slice, typically found in well-developed prismatic crystals within complex pegmatite pockets.
Is this watermelon tourmaline?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch watermelon tourmaline with a known reference. Watermelon Tourmaline sits at Mohs 7-7.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Watermelon Tourmaline leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Watermelon Tourmaline typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, green, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals with triangular cross-section and distinct color zoning.
Often confused with
Watermelon Tourmaline vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside watermelon tourmaline
Minerals reported to co-occur with watermelon tourmaline. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 7-7.5
- Density
- 3.06 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals with Triangular Cross-section and Distinct Color Zoning
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Gemstone, Collector, Jewelry
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 per gram depending on clarity and color intensity
Where rockhounds find watermelon tourmaline
Classic worldwide localities
- Minas Gerais, Brazil
- San Diego County, USA
- Afghanistan
- Nigeria
- Madagascar
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where watermelon tourmaline typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, lepidolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals with triangular cross-section and distinct color zoning habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify watermelon tourmaline?+
Where is watermelon tourmaline found?+
How much is watermelon tourmaline worth?+
What rocks look like watermelon tourmaline?+
What minerals are found with watermelon tourmaline?+
What kind of rock does watermelon tourmaline form in?+
What is watermelon tourmaline used for?+
Find watermelon tourmaline on the map
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