KUNZITE, the pink variety of spodumene
VARIETY INFORMATION:
- VARIETY OF: Spodumene , LiAlSi2 O6, Lithium Aluminum Silicate .
- USES: Gemstone and ornamental stone.
- COLOR: various shades of pink, deeper along the crystal axis.
- INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.66
- BIREFRINGENCE: is weak
- HARDNESS: 6.5-7
- CLEAVAGE: perfect in two directions
- CRYSTAL SYSTEM: monoclinic
- SPECIMENS
Kunzite is the pink variety of spodumene and is one of two gemstone varieties. The other variety is green and is called Hiddenite. Kunzite is strongly pleochroic, meaning there is a color intensity variation when a crystal is viewed from the top or bottom then from other directions. The top and bottom of the crystal reveal the deepest colors and knowledgeable gem cutters take advantage of its effects. Due to kunzite's cleavage, splintery fracture and strong pleochroism it is considered a real gem cutters challenge. However, its lovely pink color makes kunzite an attractive and desirable gemstone.
Copyright ©1995-2008 by Amethyst Galleries, Inc.
Site design & programming by galleries.com web services

