Characteristics of Kunzite:

Chemical Name: Lithium aluminum silicate

Formula: LiAl(SiO3)2

Colors: Pink

Structure: Monoclinic

Hardness: 6.5-7

Specific Gravity: 3.0-3.2

Refractive Index: 1.66-1.68

Lustre: Vitreous

Streak: White

Locations: Afghanistan, USA, Brazil, China, Madagascar

What is Kunzite? 

Kunzite is the pink variety of the mineral spodumene, and is named after the American gemologist G.F. Kunz, who first described in 1902. Faceting-grade Kunzite shows strong pleochroism – two different shades of the body color when viewed from different directions. Gems must be carefully oriented t show the best color through the top surfaces; additionally, Kunzite tends to be splintery, and silvers are likely to break off during cutting if the stone is not oriented correctly. Kunzite and other spodumene gems are almost always faceted.