kunzites

Kunzite is a gemstone, a variety of the mineral spodumene. Its name honors George Frederick Kunz, an American gemologist and mineral collector who was instrumental in bringing it to prominence. Kunzite is known for its beautiful pink to violet hues, though it can also be found in paler shades of pink or even colorless. The color is caused by trace amounts of manganese. It is a relatively hard gemstone, measuring 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it suitable for jewelry. However, it is also somewhat brittle and can cleave, meaning it can split along planes, so care should be taken when wearing kunzite jewelry. Kunzite exhibits pleochroism, meaning it displays different colors when viewed from different angles, typically showing a stronger pink color from one direction and a paler color from another. The most prized kunzites are those with a rich, even pink color and good clarity. Kunzite is often found in pegmatites, a type of igneous rock. Major sources include Brazil, Afghanistan, Madagascar, and the United States. It is sometimes treated with heat to enhance its color. Historically, kunzite has been associated with calming energies and promoting love and compassion, though these are considered metaphysical properties.