Natural Kunzite Gemstones
Kunzite is the pink to violet variety of spodumene, a lithium aluminum silicate (LiAlSi2O6) from the pyroxene group, and by far the best-known member of that family. Green spodumene, colored by chromium, is called hiddenite, and pale yellow spodumene completes the range. With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7 it can be worn with care, ideally in pendants and earrings.
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Gemstone guide
Natural Kunzite Gemstones
About kunzite
Kunzite is named after George F. Kunz, the Tiffany gemologist who described it in the early twentieth century after it was found in California. Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar and Pakistan are important sources today, and large clean crystals are common enough that kunzite is often cut into big stones. Its color can fade with long exposure to strong sunlight, which is why it is sometimes called an evening stone.
What you'll find in this collection
This collection holds natural, untreated spodumene, including well-formed crystals from Afghanistan in green tones, sold by weight in grams.
How to recognise kunzite
Spodumene has very strong pleochroism: a kunzite crystal looks deeply colored along its length and pale or almost colorless from the side, so cutters orient the table toward the strongest color. Crystals are flattened and striated along their length. It also has two perfect cleavages, which makes it notoriously hard to cut.
Caring for kunzite
Because of its perfect cleavage, kunzite can split if knocked, so handle it gently and choose protective settings. Store it away from strong sunlight, clean it with lukewarm soapy water and a soft brush, and avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
Every stone is natural, and each listing gives its weight, size, origin and treatment, with photos of the actual stone.