What is Kunzite Gemstones
Kunzite gemstones, distinguished by their subtle shades of pink, lilac, or violet, are an alluring form of the mineral spodumene. These stones, which were found in California in 1902 and given the name George Frederick Kunz in honor of the gemologist, are prized for their aesthetic appeal and metaphysical qualities. Kunzite is frequently linked to the heart chakra, encouraging emotional healing and love. The gemstone’s pleochroic quality, which changes color depending on the angle at which it is seen, adds to its appeal. Kunzite is mostly mined in Afghanistan, Madagascar, and Brazil; due to its distinct appeal and spiritual importance, it is becoming more and more used in jewelry.
Kunzite Gemstone: History, Properties, and How to Care for Your Jewel
If this article was about the gemstone spodumene, I’m sure it would only have 50% of the traffic it has now. Lithium is the mineral source of lithium, which is used to make car and smartphone batteries. Katy Perry wouldn’t be wearing an 80-carat spodumene ring at the Grammy’s, but she did have a stunning pink Kunzite ring!
Spodumene was originally used to make ceramics and glass, as well as in steel production and medicine. But in the late 1800s, it was discovered in a green version and then in a pink and lilac version. Jewelers of the day quickly realized that no one would want to buy a Gemstone Ring that sounds like a remedy for stomach ailments, no matter how gorgeous it is!
The pink gemstone was given the name Kunzite after gemologist and vice president of Tiffany’s, George Kunz. The green gemstone was named Hiddenite after mineralogist William Hidden.
Identifying Real Kunzite: A Beginner’s Guide
Make sure the stones you buy have high clarity and constant color to be sure they are real kunzite. Genuine kunzite frequently has a light pink hue that can change to violet in certain lighting conditions. Extremely flawless or brilliant stones should be avoided as they may be treated or manufactured. Purchasing from reliable sellers and asking for certification are other ways to confirm authenticity.
Learn About Kunzite: Characteristics and Properties
Kunzite is a member of the spodumene family and is valued for its pleochroism, meaning it can display different colors when viewed from different angles. The most sought-after kunzite stones are those with an intense pink or violet color. In terms of physical properties, kunzite is relatively hard but can be brittle, so it requires careful handling.
Exploring Kunzite Crystal Colors: From Pink to Violet
Like all colored gemstones, the color of Kunzite plays a big role in its price. Darker, more intense colors tend to fetch the highest prices.
Kunzite’s pink and purple colors are caused by the formation of manganese minerals as the crystals form. It’s often said that long-term exposure to the sun causes the color to fade and that Kunzite should be worn at night only.
There’s plenty of anecdotal evidence and reports about the sun’s effect on Kunzite, or spodumene. Rough material comes out of the ground green, is left in the sun all day, and turns pink overnight. Some say that only treated Kunzite will fade, while others say that all Kunzite may fade over time.
Kunzite gemstones can change color as you turn them in your hand. In some examples, they can go from pink to purple or dark pink to colorless. This is known as pleochroism. Pleochroism occurs in only a few gemstones in the world.
Kunzite is also known as Yellow Kunzite or Blue Kunzite. These are names for colored Spodumene that were used to capitalize on the popularity of the Kunzite name. Keep in mind that Kunzites are only pink to purple or purple.
We’ve seen a few blue gemstones in our time, but we can’t be sure what treatment they may have undergone. The color seems to be very unstable – it often changes to light brown or very quickly to colorless.
Kunzite Clarity and Cut: Maximizing the Beauty of Your Gemstone
Since Kunzite is one of the most abundant gemstones in the world, you don’t need to accept anything that isn’t at least eye-catching. Anything with visible inclusions or flaws significantly devalues the gemstone and should be avoided at all costs. However, some very interesting and striking translucent examples are well worth your time.
Large clear Kunzite is typically cut into faceted gems and can appear in very large carats. Cutting can present a few challenges. Kunzite has cleavage in 2 directions, so a simple mistake while cutting can easily tear the gemstone apart.
Most Kunzite gems have a rather unusual phenomenon where they appear to have two or even three different colors depending on which way you look at them. This phenomenon is known as pleochroism. The lapidary or Gem cutter must be aware of this peculiarity when facing to display it to its fullest.
The beautiful translucent gemstones of Kunzite are most often in domes and cabochon shapes and can appear in all shapes and sizes. You can find them in round, oval shapes, heart shapes, etc.
Kunzite Gemstone Meaning: What This Beautiful Stone Represents
The light pastel color of Kunzite reflects its calming powers and symbolizes its purity and innocence. Its definite feminine charm and appearance reveal its appeal to young mothers and kids.
This gemstone will help new mothers feel confident in their decision-making and calm hyperactive kids.
Its calming power can restore trust among people and mend troubled relationships. Its compassion and sympathy can lead to a more relaxed and happy life. It can also be used to treat depression, bipolar disorder, self-esteem issues, and eating disorders.
Health Benefits of Kunzite: Why This Gemstone Is Special
Kunzite has a positive effect on the heart, blood flow, and blood pressure. It also helps with general circulation and anemia. Kunzite can help with lung issues and the respiratory system. It can also help with the throat and in the case of young people, the thyroid gland.
Other ailments that Kunzite can help with include weak bone and muscle tissue, joint and swelling pain, inflammation, arthritis, autoimmune system support, and hormonal balance in women.
People often ask us how gemstones can be used for spiritual and health benefits, and while we certainly are not experts, we have gathered some experience and know-how. Of course, wearing a gemstone as jewelry is the simplest way for a crystal to affect your body.
Kunzite should be kept under your pillow at night, both to stimulate dreams and to give you a sense of peace to help you sleep well.
Where is Kunzite Found? Exploring the Global Sources
After being first discovered in southern California, kunzite has since been discovered in Madagascar, Myanmar, Russia, Mexico, Australia, and Canada. The most significant and largest kunzite deposits are in Brazil, but currently, the mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan are the most popular sources.
How to Care for Kunzite: Essential Tips for Gemstone Maintenance
Although Kunzite has a Mohs hardness of about 7, making it a relatively hard-wearing gemstone, we always recommend taking your jewelry off before doing physical activities such as cleaning your home, playing sports gardening, etc.
Your Kunzite can easily get scratched by anything above 7 on the hardness scale, so it’s best to keep it separated from all other gemstones of varying hardness in the fabric-lined compartment of your jewelry box. You can also use individual cloth jewelry bags if you don’t have much space in your jewelry box to store your gemstones.
You can clean Kunzite safely, simply, and effectively by using warm soap and a soft toothbrush. Ultrasonic, steam, or anything that requires heat should not be used as the color of the Kunzite may be affected.
Note: Don’t wear your gemstone to the beach as the sun’s rays can cause the Kunzite to fade.
Does Kunzite Gemstone Change Color? Explained
Some gemstones have a unique or dramatic hue under different light conditions. For example, look at some types of garnets under electrical or artificial lighting and they may appear red. Take them outside into the sun and they may turn green! This doesn’t happen with Kunzite.
On the other hand, as you turn the Kunzite Gemstone in your hands, it can turn from a dark pink or purple shade to a light pink or purple shade, to a colorless shade. This unusual change in color is known as pleochromism and is found in very few gemstones.
What makes Kunzite unique?
Kunzite is unique for its beautiful pink-to-violet hues and its pleochroism, which shows different colors from various angles. Its recent discovery and naming after a famous gemologist also add to its distinctiveness.
Kunzite Jewelry Collection: Browse Exquisite Pieces
Kunzite has a Mohs hardness of about 7 on the scale, which means it’s tough and durable enough to be used in most everyday jewelry. It’s relatively inexpensive and comes in beautiful clear large sizes, as well as beautiful translucent cabochons, so let your imagination go wild and make an eye-catching item or two. See our detailed article on the Mohs hardness scale here.
More and more people are wearing kunzite jewelry on red carpets, on fashion runways, and at parties all over the world because of its fun, feminine, and frivolous appeal.
It’s easy to find kunzite in carat sizes, which are perfect for matching kunzite rings, kunzite bracelets, and kunzite earrings. Smaller kunzite looks pale, but larger kunzite sizes look much richer in color and saturation, so this shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Most kunzite carat sizes are 5, 10, or even more.
Conclusion
Kunzite is a very special and exquisite gemstone with a long history and many advantageous qualities. Kunzite is an excellent addition to any jewelry collection, regardless of your interest in it due to its aesthetic qualities or purported therapeutic properties. You may appreciate kunzite’s beauty for many years to come if you are aware of its qualities and take the right care of it.
FAQs About Kunzite Gemstone
Kunzite is a pink-to-violet variety of the mineral spodumene, known for its beautiful colors and clarity. It was first discovered by mineralogist George Frederick Kunz in 1902 and is prized for its unique pleochroism, meaning it can display different colors when viewed from various angles.
Kunzite is believed to have several healing properties, including reducing stress and anxiety, promoting emotional balance, and enhancing feelings of love and compassion. It is often used in crystal healing practices to open the heart chakra and foster inner peace.
To identify genuine kunzite, check for consistent color and good clarity. It usually has a pale pink color that can shift to violet under different lights. Buy from reputable dealers and request a certificate of authenticity to ensure you’re getting a genuine stone.
Kunzite jewelry needs special care as heat and sunlight can fade its color. Clean with lukewarm water and mild soap, avoid ultrasonic cleaners, and store in a dark, cool place to preserve its beauty.
Buy high-quality kunzite from reputable dealers, checking color, clarity, cut, and size, and always request a certificate of authenticity.
Kunzite stands out for its pink-to-violet hues and pleochroism, showing different colors from different angles. Its beauty, healing properties, and recent naming after a famous gemologist enhance its appeal.
