Kunzite
Collectors love kunzite for its color range, from delicate pastel pink to intense violetish purple.
OVERVIEW
ABOUT KUNZITE
Kunzite is the best-known variety of the mineral spodumene. It’s named after famed gemologist George Frederick Kunz, who was the first to identify it as a unique variety of spodumene. Kunzite gets its delicate color from trace amounts of manganese. California’s San Diego County is an important source of kunzite.
Birthstones & Anniversaries
Some consider kunzite to be an alternate birthstone for February.
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
TREATMENTS
There are a number of processes used to alter the color, apparent clarity, or improve the durability of gems.
SYNTHETICS
Some gemstones have synthetic counterparts that have essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical properties, but are grown by man in a laboratory.
IMITATIONS
Any gem can be imitated—sometimes by manmade materials or by natural materials chosen by man to impersonate a particular gem.
WHY WE LOVE THIS GEM
1
AFFORDABLE
In spite of its rarity and beauty, kunzite can be quite affordable because it’s relatively unknown.
2
BLADES
Kunzite is monoclinic and its crystals often take on a blade-like shape. Its rough form is dramatic.
3
PEGMATITES
Kunzites are found in pegmatite deposits, often along with tourmaline, beryl, and other gems.
QUALITY FACTORS
The following factors combine to determine a kunzite’s value.
COLOR
Color is kunzite’s most important value factor. The more vivid the color, the higher the value.
CLARITY
Kunzite is usually very clean, so inclusions that affect its transparency can reduce the gem’s value.
CUT
Skilled cutters can bring out kunzite’s beauty despite challenges from its two cleavage directions.
CARAT WEIGHT
It’s not unusual to find kunzite in large sizes. This is an extremely large example that weighs 648.10 carats.
Kunzite Quality Factors: The Comprehensive Guide
RESEARCH
Explore sources, gemological research, and the role of gems in history.
George R. Rossman and Yuanxun Qiu , Jun 1, 1982
Gary W. Bowersox , Dec 1, 1985
John L. Ramsey , Dec 1, 1981
James E. Shigley and Anthony R. Kamp , Jun 1, 1984
Recommended Reading
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Colored Gemstones: The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide
Antoinette L. Matlins
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Gemstones of the World
Walter Schumann
