Kunzite Properties & Information | Crystal Gemstone Shop
A guide for the history, meaning, metaphysical uses, purposes, crystal healing, and properties of the kind kunzite
The kunzite stone is a relatively new mineral and is a variety of spodumene. It is a quite popular variety too, with a gorgeous pink hue and pleochroic surface. It was found in the late nineteenth century in California, but not given proper description until 1902.
Though it is fresh on the scene (well, compared to other minerals), kunzite has enjoyed a great deal of popularity in recent times. Depending on the cut, kunzite can show off a gorgeous violet hue, a cute and blushing pink, or, if it's really good, a mix of both!
Another unique property or element of a kunzite crystal is its gradual fading in natural light. Thus, it is advised to not keep the stone by windows where the sun will beam down upon them!
Some refer to kunzites as lithia amethyst, but this is not entirely correct due to the two having different origin and chemical compositions. Both are silicate minerals, but kunzite is, more specifically, an aluminous lithia-silicate mineral. Kunzite is a purple variety of spodumene, but amethyst is a purple variety of quartz. There are more differences between the two stones, but they actually look good together!
Scientific Information
Here are some common questions and scientific facts about the lovely kunzite stone!
How to tell a real kunzite? Kunzite has a few distinct properties. A quick hardness test can easily establish if it is real or fake. However, another way is to tell from the color and clarity, as kunzite has two perfect cleavages, and, as a trichroic gemstone, will show three different colors when viewed from different angles.
Because of this, and the fact that it fades in light, it's not likely that you will come upon "fake" kunzite, or someone passing off another stone as kunzite. Its distinctive properties make it easy to discern from other purple or pink stones. Even then, to the best of our knowledge, imitation or synthetic kunzite does not appear to exist.
Where is Kunzite found? Quality locales exist in California, Madagascar, Afghanistan, and Brazil.
How Rare is Kunzite? Kunzite that does not have a strong purple color is relatively common. Kunzite that is abundant in clarity and is a deep purple is, however, rare.
Kunzite Hardness: 6.5-7
Kunzite Lustre: Vitreous
Kunzite Crystal System: Monoclinic
Kunzite Etymology: Named in honor of George Kunz
Metaphysical Properties
Kunzite is said to have various metaphysical properties, particularly regarding around love, joy, and happiness. Others say that it is a stone that allows one to be more appreciative of what they have and to count their blessings. It is said to be:
- Stone of Love
- Stone of Joy
- Stone of Happiness
- Stone of Passion
These claims are not backed by scientific evidence.
The Wrap Up
A high quality kunzite crystal is downright unique. These stones have various properties that make them stand out among others. A kunzite stone is generally trichroic and has two cleavages. It is known to be a challenging stone to cut, but when that is done right, it is an outstanding stone.
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Sources
Grande, Lance, and Augustyn, Allison. Gems and Gemstones: Timeless Natural Beauty of the Mineral World. United Kingdom, University of Chicago Press, 2009.
Klein, Cornelis, and Philpotts, Anthony. Earth Materials 2nd Edition: Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology. United Kingdom, Cambridge University Press, 2016.
https://www.mindat.org/min-2289.html
https://www.mindat.org/min-3733.html
https://www.gia.edu/doc/The-Cutting-Properties-of-Kunzite.pdf
