Kunzite

A variety of crystalline spodumene (a silicate of aluminum and lithium) generally of a lilac-pink hue, though yellow and green varieties are not uncommon.

If exposed to the sun, kunzite first loses its colour, then turns green and in time resumes its original hue. If you plan to buy kunzite, choose a specimen of a certain size and thickness, as small specimens tend to be colourless. It must be cut in a special way and only in facets. It may be confused with morganite and pink tourmaline (rubellite).

Kunzite comes from Brazil, Madagascar, and Burma and takes its name from the well-known gemmologist G.F. Kunz.

Techinical Specification

Name	Moh's	Specific Gravity	Structure	Cleavage	Refractive Index	Double	Disp.	Pleochro	Fluorescence
Kunzite Spodumene	7-Jun	3.16-3.20	Monoclinic	Perfect	1.665-1.680	0.015	0.017	Definite	Strong