Kunzite Description

Kunzite’s beauty is apparent in both its natural crystal and faceted forms. - Robert Weldon

Kunzite is the light pink to violetish purple variety of the mineral spodumene. It’s found in Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar, and the US state of California. The gem was named after pioneering gemologist George Frederick Kunz (1856-1932).

This group of kunzite crystals was recovered from the Oceanview Mine in the Pala mining district of San Diego County, California. - Brendan Laurs

Kunzite has two perfect cleavage directions. It’s pleochroic, with the best color visible when you look down the length of the crystal. Cutters keep these factors in mind when they orient gems for finishing. They might also cut a kunzite deep to emphasize its pink to violet color.

This lovely faceted kunzite displays an example of the best color this gem has to offer. - Robert Weldon

It is not unusual to find kunzite in large sizes. The Smithsonian Institution houses a faceted heart-shaped kunzite that weighs 880 carats.

Kunzite can be irradiated and then heat-treated to enhance its color. Both treated and natural color in kunzite can fade with exposure to heat and bright light.

SPODUMENE

Kunzite is the best-known variety of spodumene. Others are green hiddenite and yellow triphane.

A “NEW” GEM

Kunzite was first recognized as a unique variety of spodumene around 1902.

LITHIUM

The pegmatites that yield kunzite are also a source of lithium.

FACTS

• MINERAL: Spodumene
• CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: LiAlSi₂O₆
• COLOR: Pink-violetish purple, light-intense
• REFRACTIVE INDEX: 1.660 to 1.676
• BIREFRINGENCE: 0.014 to 0.016
• SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 3.18
• MOHS HARDNESS: 6.5 to 7.0