Kunzite

Generic Information:

Name Origin: Homage to pioneer gemologist George Frederick Kunz -1902.

Main Colors: Pink, violet-rose, and violet.

Producing Countries: Afghanistan is the world’s largest producer, followed by Brazil in the state of Minas Gerais, Madagascar, and California, USA. When production takes place, it is usually in large volumes and with crystals that can weigh a few kilos.

Common Shapes: Antique, oval, drop, and octagonal. Kunzite is an extremely difficult mineral to cut due to its three distinct cleavages. For this same reason, it is not possible to cut the round shape and stones below 7×5. Brazilians are the great experts in the art of cutting Kunzite in the world. As it is found in large crystals, gemstones of hundreds of carats can be cut.

Usual Treatment: Kunzite can be irradiated by neutrons or gamma rays and then heat-treated to darken its color. Both the treated and natural color of Kunzite can fade with prolonged exposure to heat or sunlight. That’s why it’s a more suitable gem for night use.

Gemological Data:

Species:Pink variety of the spodumene species.
Species: Hardness of Mohs:Pink variety of the spodumene species. 6/7
Species: Specific Density:Pink variety of the spodumene species. 3,18 (±0,03)
Species: Cleavage:Pink variety of the spodumene species. 3 Distinct Perfects
Species: Fracture:Pink variety of the spodumene species. Uneven
Species: Crystal System:Pink variety of the spodumene species. Monoclinic: tabular prismatic crystals.
Species: Chemical Composition:Pink variety of the spodumene species. LiAl(Si₂O₆) Lithium Aluminum Silicate
Species: Transparency:Pink variety of the spodumene species. Transparent
Species: Refractive index:Pink variety of the spodumene species. 1,660-1,676
Species: Birefringence:Pink variety of the spodumene species. 0,016
Species: Dispersion:Pink variety of the spodumene species. 0,017
Species: Pleochroism:Pink variety of the spodumene species. Defined; violet, pale-red, colorless.
Species: Luster:Pink variety of the spodumene species. Vitreous
Species: Fluorescence:Pink variety of the spodumene species. Strong, reddish-yellow, orange.