Kunzite Details

Kunzite is a relatively new gemstone to the consumer market and has only been known for roughly 100 years. It wasn't until 1902 that legendary gemologist George Frederick Kunz fully described this stone after it was unearthed in California, USA. (This same location where morganite beryl was first discovered.)  Kunzite is knows for its precious pink colors which can often display hints of violet. Kunzite should be favored not for it colorlessness, but rather its color.  The deeper and richer the color, the more desirable the stone. A kunzite has pleochroism which means that when you move the stone slightly the colors will change!

Kunzite can be found in many places throughout the world such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Brazil and the USA.

Kunzite is quite popular as a healing stone.  It is reputed to cure mental illness, neuroses, memory loss, addiction and other ailments. It is thought that the soothing colors help the possessor or wearer of the stone to help regain emotional balance after traumatic experiences.  Some believe that kunzite is a sign of new life and can be worn as a fertility stone.

The largest faceted Kunzite on display in the world today is an 880 carat specimen which can be found at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.

Kunzites are fairly durable stone as they sit at a 6.5 to 7 on Mohs scale. These gemstones might be irradiated and then heated to enhance color.  Do be aware that kunzites are light sensitive and the color can actually fade if worn for prolonged periods of sunbathing or at the beach. Like diamonds, kunzites have cleavage.  This means that a sharp blow could break the stone into two pieces.

Steam and ultrasound should not be used to clean this stone.  Warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush work best for cleaning.