Watermelon Tourmaline
Last updated: April 2026
Watermelon tourmaline (elbaite) has a pink to red core surrounded by a green rim. The gradual color transition is a separation indicator from doublets or assembled stones. Typically cut as slices or cross-sections to display the pattern.
Physical & Optical Properties
RI Range1.616–1.650
SG Range3.00–3.10
SG Typical3.06
Hardness (Mohs)7–7.5
Crystal SystemTrigonal
Optic CharacterDR Uniaxial (−)
Birefringence0.018
Dispersion0.017
Fluorescence LWInert
Fluorescence SWInert
Chelsea FilterInert
PleochroismStrong Dichroic
ColorsMulti, Red Pink, Green
SpeciesTourmaline
VarietyElbaite (Bicolor)
Related: Tourmaline Varieties
Key Differentiators
- Distinctive pink/red core with green rim — bicolor zoning visible under loupe and to naked eye
- Gradual color transition zone (not sharp as in ametrine) between pink core and green rim
- Tourmaline RI/SG confirms species; bicolor pattern is characteristic
- Commonly cut as cross-sections or slices perpendicular to c-axis to display watermelon pattern
- Strong dichroism in each color zone; growth tubes parallel to c-axis under magnification
Common Simulants
- Bicolor Glass: Isotropic, gas bubbles, swirl marks; no natural inclusions; abrupt color junction or gradation is manufactured
- Pink-Green Tourmaline Doublet: Two stones cemented together; cement layer visible under immersion; inclusions terminate at boundary; RI may be consistent if both pieces are tourmaline
- Bicolor Synthetic Corundum: RI 1.762–1.778, SG 4.00; much higher RI and SG; curved growth lines under magnification; no natural tourmaline inclusions
Treatments
- Heat Treatment
- Irradiation
- Surface Coating
Price Context
Natural — low ($/ct)$50
Natural — high ($/ct)$500
NoteSlice or cross-section cuts $50–300/ct; fine faceted watermelon sections with vivid colors $100–500/ct. Clarity and color contrast are key value factors.
Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
Measurement Guides
Identifying a watermelon tourmaline? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
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