Kunzite

Known as the "evening" stone, Kunzite was discovered in 1902 and named after G.F. Kunz - Tiffany's chief gemologist at the time and a noted mineralogist.

Kunzite is the pink variety of spodumene, which also includes a green variety of gemstone known as Hiddenite. Kunzite is strongly pleochroic, meaning there is a color intensity variation when a crystal is viewed from the top or bottom than from other directions. The top and bottom of the crystal reveal the deepest colors and knowledgeable gem cutters take advantage of its effects. Kunzite's cellular structure gives it perfect cleavage and so it is very sensitive to pressure along this cleavage plane. Orientation of the gem material is critical to successful faceting of this material. Due to Kunzite's cleavage, splintery fracture and strong pleochroism it is considered a real gem cutters' challenge. However, its lovely pink to violet color makes Kunzite an attractive and desirable gemstone.

The lithium in Kunzite's chemical composition - LiAl (Si2O6), lithium aluminum silicate - gives it a wonderful pink-violet color that compliments either fall or spring wardrobes. It shows its color well in larger sizes. Since it is a pastel gem, small sizes tend to be very pale. Kunzite needs a certain amount of mass to bring out its color. Keep Kunzite out of direct sun or high heat because it can fade. This fact has earned it the nickname: Evening Stone. Jewelry featuring Kunzite should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Ionic cleaners and/or warm, soapy water and a soft brush are the best ways to clean Kunzite.

Metaphysically, Kunzite gives off powerful love energy, promotes peace and purification, dissipates negativity and is excellent for meditation. The corresponding Astrological Signs for Kunzite are: Scorpio, Taurus, & Leo.

Kunzite is mined in Afghanistan, Brazil, Burma, Canada, Madagascar, Malagasy Republic, Mexico, Pakistan, Russia, Sweden and the United States. It is a fragile stone with a hardness of 6-7. It is of a comparable value to red Garnet.