Kunzite
Image: James St. John (CC BY 2.0)
Mineral NameKunzite
Chemical FormulaLiAlSi2O6
Mohs Hardness6.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {110}, good on {100}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity3.18
Colorspink, lilac, purple, colorless
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityPala, San Diego County, California, USA; Minas Gerais, Brazil; Afghanistan; Pakistan; Madagascar
Mineral GroupSilicates (Pyroxene group)
Usesjewelry, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, albite, lepidolite, tourmaline, beryl
Rarityuncommon
Description
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.
Geological 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.
