Kunzite Information

Links To Kunzite Information Topics On This Page:
Kunzite Varieties And Kunzite Products in our Online Kunzite Store
Kunzite Physical Properties
Kunzite Background Info
Kunzite Occurance and Diagnostic Features
Kunzite History and Uses
Kunzite Metaphysical Properties

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KUNZITE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

• Kunzite Chemical composition: LiALSi₂O₆
• Class: inosilicates
• Group: pyroxenes
• Crystal system: monoclinic; 2/m
• Crystal habit: kunzite crystals commonly occur as prismatic crystals elongated on c, often flattened on {100} with deep vertical striations, also can be acicular or in cleavable masses.
• Twinning: occaisional twinning on {100}
• Specific gravity: 3.0 to 3.2, gem varieties approximately 3.18
• Index of refraction: 1.653 to 1.682
• Birefringence: mild to moderate, 0.014-0.027
• Pleochroism: distinct in strong colored spodumene gem varieties, kunzite is violet-purple/colorless
• Hardness: 6.5-7.0
• Color: colorless, yellow, pink to blue-violet
• Luster: vitreous
• Transparency: transparent to translucent
• Cleavage: perfect {110} cleavage at angles of 87^o and 93^o, commonly with well developed parting on {100}
• Fracture: conchoidal, brittle
• Streak: white

KUNZITE BACKGROUND INFO

Kunzite is the pink variety of the lithium aluminum silicate spodumeme. Spodumene is a relatively rare pyroxene found mainly in lithium rich pegmatites. Rough crystals of spodumene have been found in gigantic proportions, one of the largest was a single crystal measuring over 47 feet long and weighing 90 tons! Spodumene is the principle source of lithium, which is the lightest of all metals.

Gem spodumene varieties like kunzite occur very rarely and in much smaller crystals. The natural colors in spodumene range from colorless to gray, violet to pink to yellow (kunzite), yellowish-green to medium deep green (hiddenite) and a light blue color that typically fades upon exposure to light. The perfect cleavage of kunzite makes it considerably more difficult to facet into gemstones. This strong tendency of kunzite to cleave also means that a little more care is necessary to prevent damage when wearing a kunzite gemstone set in a ring. Kunzite gems are perfectly suited for setting into pendants, brooches and earrings.

The color in kunzite is due to trace impurities substituting for aluminum in the spodumene crystal structure. Iron impurities yield yellow to green color kunzite, chromium impurities result in medium-deep green colored spodumene - also known as hiddenite, and trace amounts of manganese impurities produce the pink to lilac hues of kunzite.

Some of the natural colors of kunzites will change color upon heating or irradiating. The pink color of natural kunzite is generally stable up to about 500^oC where it will fade to colorless. This color can be restored by irradiation. When pink spodumene is irradiated, an unstable brown or green color is produced which will show evidence of fading within a few hours in a well-lit location. Heating to about 200^oC will restore the original pink color.

KUNZITE OCCURRENCE AND DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES

Kunzite (LiALSi₂O₆) occurs almost exclusively in lithium rich granite pegmatites. It is a relatively rare mineral, occuring in association with quartz, microcline, albite, muscovite, smoky quartz, lepidolite, tourmaline and beryl, and more rarely with topaz, amblygonite, apatite and cassiterite.
Kunzite has also been reported in rare cases in aplites and in gneisses.

Kunzite is recognized by its prismatic cleavage on {110} and parting on {100}, and by its pegmatitic occurance. Kunzite can also be distinguished by its strong pleochrism and relatively high refractive index.

KUNZITE HISTORICAL INFORMATION AND USES

The mineral Kunzite was named for the author and gemologist George F. Kunz.

Spodumene is a major source of lithium, which has a great variety of uses including in the manufacture of lubricants, ceramics, batteries, welding supplies, experimental fuels and in anti-depressant drugs.

Transparent spodumenes of pink to violet color (kunzite) and yellowish-green to medium deep green (hiddenite) are used as gemstones.

The astrological signs of kunzite are Scorpio, Taurus and Leo, and the sign of hiddenite is Scorpio.
Kunzite is a birthstone for the month of september.

Traditionally, the wearing of kunzite jewelry is thought to bring good luck.

KUNZITE METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Wearing kunzite jewelry or holding a kunzite crystal is said to help one to understand and interact better with others, to help heal "broken hearts", to relieve stress and anger, and to bring love, peace and harmony.
Hiddenite is said to enhance one's creative and spiritual potentials, and to stimulate one's intellect.

Kunzite is said to help strengthen the circulatory system, and to be helpfull in the treatment of lung disorders.
Hiddenite is said to be usefull in diagnosing ailments.