Image: James St. John (CC BY 2.0)
monoclinicuncommonSilicates (Pyroxene group)
Kunzite
LiAlSi2O6
Kunzite is the pink-to-lilac variety of the mineral spodumene, often found as well-formed, prismatic crystals. The image shows a faceted, transparent, pale pink kunzite gemstone, approximately 1.2 centimeters across.
Kunzite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
6.5Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
perfect on {110}, good on {100}Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
3.18Colors
pink, lilac, purple, colorlessTransparency
transparentType Locality
Pala, San Diego County, California, USA; Minas Gerais, Brazil; Afghanistan; Pakistan; MadagascarMineral Group
Silicates (Pyroxene group)Uses
jewelry, collectorAssociated Minerals
quartz, albite, lepidolite, tourmaline, berylRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Kunzite forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks. It crystallizes from the late-stage, volatile-rich fluids of cooling magma, often alongside other rare pegmatite minerals.
