What is Kunzite?
Kunzite is the pink to lilac gem variety of spodumene, prized for long elegant crystals, pleochroism and a refined pastel palette.
Mineralogy and crystal structure
Reference formula: LiAlSi2O6. Kunzite is a trade variety rather than a separate mineral species: its parent mineral is spodumene, LiAlSi2O6. The representative structure therefore uses a verified spodumene CIF and is labelled accordingly; colour is commonly linked to manganese. Kunzite is classified with silicates and has a monoclinic crystal system. Typical hardness is 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 3.1–3.2.
Colour, lustre and habit
Typical colours include pink, lilac, violet, colourless. The usual prismatic, bladed, massive habit and vitreous lustre help describe a specimen, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Formation and notable localities
Kunzite forms in or is associated with lithium-rich granitic pegmatites. Important documented localities include Brazil, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Pakistan, the United States and Canada.
Pastel colour with a gallery-scale silhouette
Kunzite combines the clean geometry of a pegmatite crystal with a soft pink-to-lilac colour range that photographs beautifully. It is equally compelling as a tall natural crystal, a polished specimen or a carefully cut collector gemstone.
Collecting and care
Avoid prolonged intense sunlight, sudden heat and hard knocks along cleavage; disclose treatments and orientation when selling cut material.
