Kunzite is a beautiful lilac to pink variety of spodumene, a lithium aluminum silicate mineral that was first discovered in California in 1902 and named after gemologist George Frederick Kunz. This relatively rare gemstone is prized for its delicate lavender-pink to violet hues and exceptional clarity, though it requires careful handling due to its perfect cleavage and sensitivity to light and heat. Kunzite displays strong pleochroism, showing different color intensities from colorless to deep violet when viewed from various angles, making proper cutting orientation crucial for maximizing its beauty.
- Color range: Delicate lilac-pink to deep violet-purple; some specimens show yellow or green pleochroic flashes when viewed from different angles
- Sizes: Available from small accent stones (3-5mm) to large collector specimens (50+ carats); larger stones typically display richer color saturation
- Shapes: Best suited for protective settings; oval, cushion, and emerald cuts are preferred to minimize stress on the stone's cleavage planes
- Origin: Primarily Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar, and California; Afghan material often produces the finest deep violet specimens
- Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on Mohs scale, requiring careful setting and wear due to perfect cleavage in two directions
- Clarity: Usually very clean with excellent transparency; inclusions are rare in gem-quality material
- Pleochroism: Strong color variation from colorless to deep violet depending on viewing angle; proper cutting orientation is essential
- Light sensitivity: Can fade with prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV radiation; should be stored away from bright light sources
