Tourmaline Var. Elbaite ("watermelon")

The Sapo mine is one of the most famous Tourmaline Mines in Brazil. In the late nineties, the tri-colored blue cap tourmaline pocket was found (blue caps, then yellow then red). Other pockets were found over the years, and this tourmaline was most likely found from 1999 - 2002. It has a forest - teal green color, with a light yellow band and a red core. It is considered watermelon tourmaline given its red center with green exterior. Watermelon Tourmaline is often cut into slices and sold for between $3 to $5 per carat. This crystal weighs 44 grams (220 carats). It's in great condition without any dings or visible damage, (very uncommon for Sapo tourmaline). It has contact on one face, (seen in the fourth pic) where another tourmaline grew up against it (a common occurrence, and not damage).