Kunzite: The Perfect Pastel |
If you like pastels in your clothing items, or jewelry which will compliment them, you will love kunzite. The colors are icy pink to lilac and are also stunning against black or white. It is becoming more and more popular. It is named after Dr. George Frederick Kunz, who was the expert minerologist and gem buyer for Tiffany Jewelers in New York City, and traveled all over the country looking for interesting mineral finds.
He didn't have to go far to view kunzite as it was discovered in Connecticut at the turn of the century, but as far as a commercial deposit was concerned, Pala District of San Diego, California was the site of pale pink kunzite in 1902. It was a smart marketing move to have it named after Kunz because he would no doubt be the purchaser. Usually where morganite, which was named after J.P. Morgan, was found, so was kunzite. It is also often found near pink tourmaline. It has been discovered in Minas Gerais, Brazil; Canada' Russia' Mexico' Sweden; Myanmar (formerly Burma); Afghanistan; Pakistan, and Madagascar.
It is the newest member of the Spodumene family, and has also been found in yellow, colorless, green and brown. Its crystals are prism-like with vertical striations. It is rated 6.5 on the Mohl's hardness scale. When kept away from bright light or heat it reveals its true beauty and intensity, so is often called the "evening stone". Its fine lilac tint is due to the presence of manganese, but this hue will fade if exposed to strong sunlight and shouldn't be worn at the beach or at other particularly sunny locations. Cutters have found it very difficult to cut as it has perfect cleavage, but once cut precisely it displays an extraordinary brilliance. The surface has a vitreous silvery shimmer.
Kunzite found in some locations is often treated with heat to improve color. It is a fragile stone, and often seems a different color when viewed from a different angle. This is called pleochroism. It also can be irradiated to achieve a deeper hue. The most vivid color can be viewed from above the stone. It is usually available in larger stones at an affordable price. The color and clarity are the most important considerations when purchasing.
As an amulet it is popular as a healing stone. It is believed to ease anxiety. depression and stress, as well as to increase devotion and the joy of living.
The largest kunzite ever found can be seen in the Smithsonian Institite in Washington, D.C. To reveal their gorgeous color, kunzite stones should be at least 10 carats as the best color is reflected in larger sizes, although it often appears in jewelry in smaller sizes. Both jewelry and the stones can be cleaned with a mild dish detergent and a soft brush.