Kunzite belongs to the base mineral group of spodumene and is related to hiddenite, a green gemstone. According to Emporia State University, geologists find kunzite in granite veins.
History
George F. Kunz discovered the first Kunzite stone specimen in California in 1902 and named it after himself.
Geography
According to the Smithsonian, geologists find kunzite in California, Afghanistan, Brazil and Madagascar.
Color
Trace manganese impurities produce the pink or violet color associated with kunzite. Large stones contain intense color shades compared to small stones. The color shades of Kunzite change depending on the viewing angle.
Features
Kunzite contains strong fluorescent and clarity properties. Kunzite measures between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohr's hardness scale. Jewelry makers have a hard time making faceted cuts due to the brittle and soft composition of this gemstone.
Fun Fact
The Smithsonian claims that kunzite is known as an evening stone because it can lose its color when exposed to bright light for long periods of time.
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