Kunzite Information
The gemstone Kunzite was named after
it's founder George Kunz in 1902.
Kunzite gemstones are normally pink (lilac) to purple in colour and
is of the spodumene variety. The colour of Kunzite is derived
from manganese. Some Kunzite is irradiated to intensify it's colour.
The colour of the gemstone will fade when exposed to heat or strong
light sources, including sunlight.
Kunzite is not very durable as the crystalline structure makes it
quite fragile requiring you to protect the gemstone from blows and
other impact.
If you would like to have a Kunzite gem stone with good colour, go
for sizes of around two carats and above for the piece.
The same spodumene mineral is available in shades of green and is
then referred to as 'hiddenite', the pinkish variety is called
'kunzite'. Traders sometimes use the term green Kunzite for
hiddenite. Not much harm though, as both gems come from the same
mineral namely 'spodumene'
The Kunzite gemstone is mined in Brazil, Madagascar, Sweden,
Manitoba/Canada, and the U.S.A (South Dakota and North Carolina).
Some Kunzite finds from Afghanistan show a deep pink color with
tones of gorgeous violet shades*
| RI: 1.66-1.68 |
SG:
3.14-3.21 |
Hardness:
6.5-7 |
Toughness: Poor |
| Treatments:
Commonly heated and irradiated |
| Care Tips:
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, rough handling, strong light,
heat & acids |
| Value: Light
pink/High Clarity - up to $100 USD per carat (Newman, 2003) |
Kunzites can be securely purchased on this
web site at bargain prices ... see
here
|
