Overview
About Kunzite
Kunzite is the best-known variety of the mineral spodumene. It’s named after famed gemmologist George Frederick Kunz, who was the first to identify it as a unique variety of spodumene. Kunzite gets its delicate colour 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 recognised as a unique variety of spodumene around 1902.
Lithium
The pegmatites that yield kunzite are also a source of lithium.
Facts
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Mineral:
Spodumene
Chemical composition
Treatments
There are a number of processes used to alter the colour or apparent clarity, or to improve the durability of gems.
Learn MoreSynthetics
Some gemstones have synthetic counterparts that have essentially the same chemical, physical and optical properties, but are grown by man in a laboratory.
Learn MoreImitations
Any gem can be imitated – sometimes by man-made materials or by natural materials chosen by man to impersonate a particular gem.
Learn More
Why We Love This Gemstone
AFFORDABLE
In spite of its rarity and beauty, kunzite can be quite affordable because it’s relatively unknown.
BLADES
Kunzite is monoclinic and its crystals often take on a blade-like shape. Its rough form is dramatic.
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.
Colour
Colour is kunzite’s most important value factor. The more vivid the colour, 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, gemmological research and the role of gems in history.
Radioactive Irradiated Spodumene
George R. Rossman and Yuanxun Qiu , Jun 1, 1982 Read more in EnglishGem-Bearing Pegmatites: A Review
James E. Shigley and Anthony R. Kamp , Jun 1, 1984 Read more in English
