Description

Kunzite – Pink Tumbled Stones

Kunzite is in the monoclinic crystal system, and its crystals often take on a blade-like shape. It is a composite of lithium, aluminum and silicate, which naturally forms in large pieces. It is fairly common to find high-quality gems that weigh at least 20 karats.

The crystal structure displays distinct pleochroism (meaning it can appear to display two or three colors depending on the light source and orientation of the gem). More times than not though, Kunzite is a pale pinkish or lilac color.

Compared to other known gemstones, Kunzite is a fairly young one (discovery-wise). In 1902, a Tiffany and Co. mineralogist by the name of George Frederick Kunz first thoroughly described Kunzite. The gem was originally discovered in Connecticut, but the first large deposit was found in the San Diego area of California. It has also been found n in Brazil and Madagascar.

Kunzite determined this gemstone was an existing crystal family called spodumene, but the unique pinkish to purple color had been previously unrecognized, making Kunzite unique. The next year, in 1903, a chemistry professor named Kunzite in honor of Mr. Kunz.