Kunzite is a variety of spodumene, which is defined by its purple, violet, pink or lilac color. This coloration results from the presence of manganese within the spodumene structure. However, because spodumene crystals are strongly pleochroic, the observed hue and/or intensity will depend on the stone’s orientation or the angle from which it is viewed.
The gemstone has a relatively short history, having been first described by George F. Kunz at the turn of the twentieth century in San Diego, California. However, most of the world’s kunzite supply now comes from Afghanistan and neighbouring Pakistan, while Madagascar and Brazil are also significant sources for the gem.
It should be noted that the hues of some kunzite gemstones may fade upon prolonged exposure to sunlight, with previously irradiated stones being especially prone to losing color in this way.
Kunzite Charateristics
- Hardness: 6.5 – 7
- Color: Pink to violet
- Chemical composition: LiAl(Si2O6)
- Refractive index: 1.66 – 1.68
Kunzite History
Comparative to other gemstones, kunzite is a fairly young gem. It was in 1902 that a Tiffany and Co. mineralogist by the name of George Frederick Kunz first thoroughly described kunzite. The gem was originally discovered in Connecticut, but the first large deposit was found in the San Diego area of California. Kunz determined this gemstone was an existing crystal family called spodumene, but the unique pinkish to purple color had been previously unrecognized, making kunzite unique. The next year, in 1903, a chemistry professor named kunzite in honor of Mr. Kunz.
Since kunzite’s discovery, the gem has experienced growing fame, especially in high-end jewelry due to its large size and natural clarity despite its perfect cleavage sometimes making cutting difficult. A particularly famous kunzite was a 47-karat specimen in a ring that sold for over $410,000 at a Sotheby’s auction of the Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1996. Kunzite, and other members of the spodumene family, are also used in the making of certain medicines, ceramics, and batteries.
Kunzite Treatment
Kunzite can be irradiated and then heat-treated to enhance its color. Both treated and natural color in kunzite can fade with exposure to heat and bright light.
Kunzite Sources
Kunzite is found in Brazil, Canada, Madagascar, Burma (Myanmar), Afghanistan, Pakistan, and in the USA – California, Maine, South Dakota, and North Carolina.
Benefits of Kunzite
Kunzite is an extremely spiritual stone with a high vibration. Kunzite awakens the heart center and fosters unconditional love by producing loving thoughts and communication. Kunzite’s highly energetic vibration initiates the flow of LOVE through the heart to be experienced out in the external world. Kunzite radiates peace and connects you to universal love. Kunzite shows one that Divine Love is manifested in every moment and in every thing. Kunzite induces a deep and centered meditative state and is beneficial for those who find it hard to go into meditation. Kunzite is a protective stone with the power to raise one’s vibrations and to dispel negativity. Kunzite shields the aura from unwanted energies, providing a protective sheath and removing unwanted attached entities and mental influences. Kunzite removes obstacles from your path and helps you to adjust to the varying pressures in life. Kunzite encourages self-expression and supports the expression of feelings. Kunzite can aid in recovering memories that have been blocked. Kunzite clears away emotional debris and allows for the healing of heartache carried forward from past lives. Kunzite helps to reduce stress related anxiety and helps to alleviate panic attacks. Kunzite promotes the tolerance for others and patience with self. Kunzite clears resistance and assists in effecting compromises when necessary and facilitates the understanding between personal needs and the requirements of others. Kunzite enhances creativity, stimulates sensitivity and the willingness to serve by combining the energies of one’s intellect, intuition, and inspiration. Kunzite provides maturity in thought and action while allowing one to maintain the openness of a child with a sense of trust and innocence.
hysically, Kunzite may be used to both strengthen and reinforce the heart muscles. Kunzite aids in the treatment of the lungs, strengthen circulatory functions, and lessen stress. Kunzite is helpful for conditions affecting the nerves of the body, such as neuralgia. Kunzite calms epilepsy and soothes joint pain, neutralizes the effect of anesthesia and stimulates the immune system. Kunzite contains lithium and is beneficial for psychiatric disorders and depression. Kunzite helps the physical body to recover from the effects of emotional stress.
Kunzite is an extremely popular healing stone. Pink Kunzite is sometimes referred to as “the Woman’s Stone,” as it is aids young mothers who may be having a hard time caring for their child. It is also a great stone for over-active children who have trouble sleeping. Kunzite aids the wearer in bringing inner peace and attaining a high capacity for understanding, letting go of fears, sadness, depression, and anxiety about the future. Kunzite also helps the wearer bond with other people, for those who have trouble, socially. It promotes self- confidence, restores trust, and brings great empathy for others. It connects the heart with the mind which brings about great inner harmony.
Care Instructions
The gorgeous colors of Kunzite are prone to fading in direct sunlight, therefore it should never be worn at the beach or while sunbathing. The best way to care for your kunzite is to store your jewelry in a closed jewelry box when you are not wearing it.
Kunzite has a moderate hardness with a Mohs of 6.5, making it a durable enough stone for most jewelry applications. A sharp enough blow on a kunzite gemstone, though, can cause it to split due to the stone’s distinct cleavage. It’s best to remove kunzite jewelry before engaging in sports or other athletic activities. To clean kunzite, use a soft brush or cloth along with soapy water. Avoid harsh cleaners, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners or steam. It is recommended to store kunzite jewelry in a soft cloth bag or on its own velveteen pad so the stone won’t scratch or be scratched by other materials.