Large Double-Terminated Watermelon Tourmaline with Rare Flattened Growth- K.C.S.D. Mine, California | River Walkers Minerals

Weight: 220 g
Dimensions: 5.7 × 2.2 × 1.1 in
Locality: K.C.S.D. Mine, Gem Hill, Mesa Grande Mining District, San Diego County, California, USA 🇺🇸 

This is one of those specimens that immediately catches your attention! Not just because of its vivid watermelon color, but because of the way it grew.

Collected from the historic, (and closed) K.C.S.D. Mine on Gem Hill in California’s renowned Mesa Grande Mining District, this large double-terminated tourmaline displays a vibrant green outer zone surrounding a rich pink core that glows beautifully when backlit. At 220 grams and measuring 5.7 inches tall, it has an impressive presence while remaining thin enough to showcase its color exceptionally well. Specimens from the K.C.S.D. Mine are no longer being produced, making pieces from this classic California locality increasingly difficult to acquire.

What truly sets this specimen apart is its unusual crystal habit. Rather than forming as a typical thick prism, this tourmaline developed in an exceptionally flat, blade-like form. Natural growth striations cover the broad faces, while smaller attached tourmaline crystals and attractive sprays of white cleavelandite indicate the crystal grew this way naturally within a confined space in the pegmatite. This uncommon growth habit allows the watermelon zoning to be displayed in a way rarely seen on thicker crystals, making it an especially fascinating example for collectors.

The specimen is naturally double terminated and comes from the esteemed Al Rose collection. There is one professionally executed repair involving a reattached termination. No filler was used, and the repair was so well done it is extremely difficult to detect without close inspection.

A beautiful and highly collectible example from one of California’s most famous pegmatite localities, combining desirable provenance, impressive size, exceptional watermelon color, and an uncommon natural growth habit that makes this piece truly stand apart.

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