Kunzite is the pink to lilac or violet colored variety of Spodumene, a lithium aluminum inosilicate. Spodumene is the main source for lithium. Hiddenite is the green variety of the same species.  Kunzite forms in often quite large prismatic monoclinic crystals that are often flat and elongated with striated crystal growth.

Kunzite is strongly pleochroic, from one direction appearing pink to lilac while from the perpendicular axis can appear colorless. It’s pleochroism is put to stunning effect when cut by a skilled lapidary. Kunzite is one of the most difficult gems to facet due to its cleavage and can rupture often during the cutting process. However, once the gem has been completed it is stable and durable. Kunzite can also fade when placed in direct sunlight and should be kept in a dark place when not being worn.

Kunzite was first discovered in our modern era by geologist George F. Kunz, from which it received its name. The first significant deposit of Kunzite was discovered in 1902 in Pala, California. Currently, most commercial rough comes out of the Himalayan mountains, close to the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as Minas Gerais, Brazil.