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 — that is 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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