Kunzite
The pink to lilac variety of spodumene, known for strong pleochroism and fluorescence.
Physical & Optical Properties
RI Range1.660–1.676
SG Range3.15–3.21
SG Typical3.18
Hardness (Mohs)6.5–7
Crystal SystemMonoclinic
Optic CharacterDR Biaxial (+)
Birefringence0.016
Dispersion0.017
Fluorescence LWStrong orange
Fluorescence SWModerate Orange
Chelsea FilterInert
PleochroismStrong Trichroic
ColorsRed Pink, Purple
SpeciesSpodumene
Related: Spodumene Varieties
Key Differentiators
- Strong pleochroism
- Strong orange fluorescence
- Perfect cleavage in two directions
Common Simulants
- Morganite: Morganite: uniaxial negative DR; RI 1.583–1.590; SG 2.80; peach-pink vs kunzite's violet-pink; different pleochroism colors.
- Pink topaz: Topaz: biaxial positive; perfect basal cleavage; SG 3.53; RI 1.619–1.627.
- Pink Tourmaline (Rubellite): Tourmaline: uniaxial negative; RI 1.624–1.644; SG 3.06; strong dichroism.
- Glass: Isotropic; gas bubbles under loupe; no cleavage in two directions; no pleochroism.
Commonly Confused With
Commonly confused with: Morganite, pink_topaz, pink_tourmaline, glass.
Treatments
- Irradiation (to deepen pink/violet)
Price Context
Natural — low ($/ct)$30
Natural — high ($/ct)$150
NotePer carat; large stones common; color may fade with prolonged UV/sunlight exposure
Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
About Kunzite
The pink to lilac variety of spodumene, known for strong pleochroism and fluorescence.
Identifying a kunzite? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
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