Kunzite is a gem in delicate pink hues. In 1902, George Frederick Kunz became the first person to describe this stone discovered in Pala District of San Diego County in California. It was named in his honor as kunzite.

Depending on the angle from which we look at a kunzite, it can appear violet, pink or colorless. Some kunzites found in Afghanistan display a strong violet or a light violet or a light green color depending on the angle of view. This phenomenon is known as pleochroism, or ‘multi-colouredness’. Kunzites usually have a fairly light color. Deep colored kunzite is rarer and more valuable.

This gemstone is the youngest member of the spodumen family. Together with diopside, jadeite and three other kinds of minerals, the spodumens make up the pyroxene group. Kunzites are found mainly in Afghanistan, Madagascar, Brazil and the USA. The crystals can attain the mass of several kilograms.

As a variety of spodumen, kunzite belongs to the class of the chain silicates. Minute traces of manganese impart a fine lilac color to them. But this can fade in the direct sunlight. The hardness of Kunzite is between 6.5 and 7 on the Moh’s scale. This gem has perfect cleavage and is thus extremely difficult to cut. The silvery gloss on its facets forms a beautiful contrast to the fine violet-pink of the gemstone.

The color and clarity determine its value. The more intense the color, the more valuable is the kunzite. This gemstone an ideal precious stone for lovers. It is also popular as a healing stone. Kunzite is said to bestow inner peace on its wearer which holds a promise for those suffering from stress and strain of modern life.