Many stones remind us of the elements of summer.

Amber and honey calcite remind us of the hot summer sun. Turquoise of the teal blue waters that cool down our senses.

We have malachite whose rich green hues remind us of lush foliage. Watermelon tourmaline, with its blend of pinks and greens, resemble the juicy summer fruit after which the crystal was aptly named.

Watermelon tourmaline is the most famous multi-coloured tourmaline variety. Gem laboratories often call it bi-colour tourmaline, but many people have come to associate its colours to the rind and flesh of a ripe watermelon that the stone has eventually become known as the watermelon of the crystal world.

This post gives you a slice of the crystal's properties and history. Read on to know more!

The Physical Properties of Watermelon Tourmaline

Watermelon tourmaline displays colours similar to a ripe watermelon slice. It has a hot pink to red core covered by a light to dark green exterior. These 2 colours are often separated by a thin band of white or pale pink. Cutting the crystal into thin slices (rather than faceting it) reveals this eye-catching colour zoning.

Tourmaline is rated 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes it a durable stone for jewellery. However, tourumalines have a complex crystal structure which causes them to crack during the cutting process when areas of tension in the crystal are not identified.

Watermelon tourmaline's unique colour patterns make it a sought-after stone for designers and crafters. Coloured tourmaline gemstones are known for their pleochroic properties. So when viewed at different angles, they change colours. Some tourmaline varieties have a strongly visible pleochroism than others.

The History of Watermelon Tourmaline

The name “watermelon tourmaline” was coined by the Norwegian naturalist George Robley Howe. It was officially used in a news publication in Maine in 1910. Eventually, watermelon tourmaline became the trade name for the bi-coloured crystal.

Tourmaline deposits are found in veins in rocks created by molten magma from volcanoes. Large rocks that form after the cooling of the magma are filled with a solution of water and minerals (lithium, manganese, or iron), which then become tourmaline crystals.

What causes the dual colours and colour zoning in watermelon tourmaline?

These happen when the concentration of lithium and manganese change during tourmaline's crystal growth. When pink tourmaline forms and is exposed to additional minerals lithium and manganese, it changes its colour to green. Hence, the pink centre and green exterior.

While colour zoning can result in the crystal having a core of 1 colour and an exterior of another colour, it can also occur across the length of the crystal. Some tourmalines can have 15 different shades or colours.

Watermelon tourmaline is mainly found in Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria, and the USA

The Lore of Watermelon Tourmaline

Legend has it that tourmaline occurs in many colours because it journeyed along the rainbow and absorbed all its colours.

According to health folklore, the stone can give strength to the body (especially the blood, lymphs, and the nervous system.

Artists and writers use tourmaline to get their creative juices flowing.

The Metaphysical Properties of Watermelon Tourmaline

Known as a powerful heart stone, watermelon tourmaline helps with dealing with unpleasant feelings. It minimizes stress, anxiety, and depression. It will serve as a buoy that will keep you afloat when times are tough and you feel like you're being swallowed by your feelings.

As it protects your heart, watermelon tourmaline infuses your heart with light and love. It will refresh you with new joy, happiness, and enthusiasm. It will also increase your energy, confidence, and self-love so you can go on with life with renewed vigor.

Wear a watermelon tourmaline as a necklace/locket so it hangs directly over your heart chakra.

You can also meditate with a watermelon tourmaline slice to tap into its abundant energies:

• Hold the stone over your heart space.
• Close your eyes and let the healing energy of this stone flow through and cleanse your aura.
• You should feel a rush of calming energies flowing through your body and your heart beating at a relaxed pace.

Do this meditation each time your heart feels heavy, your thoughts are racing, or when you're experiencing emotional trauma, pain, or grief. Watermelon tourmaline can help you overcome emotional distress and fuel you with positivity.

Want to pump up your creativity at work? Place it on your desk and it will stimulate the flow of fresh ideas as you work through a project. Come nighttime, watermelon tourmaline keeps nightmares at bay and promotes deep sleep. Put it on your nightstand or under your pillow.

Browse and shop watermelon tourmaline crystals

Sources:

Anderson, A. (2017, August 7). Watermelon tourmalines: the juiciest of gems. Retrieved October 3, 2022, from https://www.thejewelleryeditor.com/jewellery/know-how/watermelon-tourmalines-origins-appearance-how-is-it-formed/

Houston, D. (2020, April 20). Watermelon Tourmaline: Meanings, Properties and Powers. Retrieved October 3, 2022, from https://meanings.crystalsandjewelry.com/watermelon-tourmaline/

Oliver, R. (2022, July 1). Watermelon Tourmaline: What Does this Fruit Gemstone Look Like? Retrieved October 3, 2022, from https://trulyexperiences.com/blog/watermelon-tourmaline/

Watermelon Tourmaline at AJS Gems. (n.d.). Retrieved October 3, 2022, from https://www.ajsgem.com/articles/watermelon-tourmaline.html

Watermelon Tourmaline Meanings and Crystal Properties. (n.d.). Retrieved October 3, 2022, from https://thecrystalcouncil.com/crystals/watermelon-tourmaline

Watermelon Tourmaline: What Is Watermelon Tourmaline? (2022, October 3). Retrieved October 3, 2022, from https://www.geologyin.com/2021/07/watermelon-tourmaline-what-is.html