Kunzite

History

Kunzite is a relatively recent addition to the world of gemstones, first recognised as a unique variety of spodumene around 1902. While some gemstones boast legends that stretch back millennia, kunzite has a surprisingly young story. The first commercially significant deposit was found in the Pala region of California in 1902, although trace amounts were discovered earlier in Connecticut. The gem is named after the famed gemologist George Frederick Kunz, who was the first to identify it as a unique variety of spodumene. Kunz was a gem buyer for Tiffany & Co. and also authored The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, travelling the globe to collect gemstone legends and seek out undiscovered deposits.

Mineral Origins

Kunzite is a variety of the mineral spodumene, alongside other varieties like green hiddenite and yellow triphane. The pegmatites that yield kunzite are also a source of lithium. It is a lithium aluminium silicate with the chemical composition LiAlSi2O6. Kunzite is often found in pegmatite deposits alongside other gems like tourmaline and beryl. Key locations for kunzite include California's San Diego County, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Madagascar. The crystals often take on a blade-like shape. Spodumene is from the Greek word spodumenos, which means "burnt to ashes," a reference to its most common colour.

The 4 C’s

Colour

Colour is kunzite's most significant value factor. The gem is known for its delicate colour, ranging from pastel pink to intense violetish purple. The most common colours are shades of pale pink, though more vivid colours, including rare hues of vivid violet to purple, are possible. Kunzite gets its colour from trace amounts of manganese. The more vivid the colour, the higher the value. Kunzite is strongly pleochroic, displaying different colours in different crystal directions. The most intense colour is typically seen down the length of its crystals.

Clarity

Kunzite is usually very clean, with relatively few inclusions. Inclusions that affect its transparency can reduce the gem’s value. Clean finished gems are common in jewellery. However, cutters can sometimes make creative use of needle-like inclusions by making them into a design element.

Carat

Kunzite is often found in large sizes. It’s not unusual to find kunzite in large sizes, with some specimens weighing hundreds of carats. For instance, the Smithsonian Institution houses an 880-carat heart-shaped kunzite, and a 648.10-carat example is also mentioned. Large gems are available at moderate prices.

Cut

Kunzite can be challenging for cutters because it has two directions of cleavage, which means the gem can split easily along those directions. As a result, kunzite can fall apart from the pressure applied during faceting. Cutters must factor in that kunzite’s colour is typically concentrated down its length. Kunzite appears in a variety of shapes and cutting styles, including step-cut stones, which are fairly common.

Be Aware Of

Enhancements

Kunzite's colour can be enhanced by irradiation followed by heating. Whether natural or enhanced, the colour can fade when exposed to heat and intense light. Irradiation can produce pink from colourless stones or green from pink stones.

Simulants

Any gem can be imitated by man-made materials or natural materials chosen to impersonate a particular gem.

Synthetics

Some gemstones have synthetic counterparts that share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties but are grown in a laboratory.

Final Thoughts

Buying Tips

Kunzite is available in a wide variety of jewellery styles, but it suffers from a lack of consumer recognition which can translate to reasonable prices. In larger sizes and finer colours, kunzite appeals to collectors. However, its cleavage direction makes it vulnerable, so consider how it will be worn, as a little shock can split a stone. The stronger the colour, the higher the value, but large gems are available at moderate prices.

Jewellery Care

Fine kunzite jewellery should be protected from heat and prolonged exposure to strong light to prevent colour fading. Store kunzite jewellery in a closed jewellery box or case when not being worn. Kunzite should be cleaned using a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, scrubbing with a soft brush. Like all fine jewellery, kunzite should be removed before sleeping.