Kunzite
Image: Didier Descouens (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameKunzite
Chemical FormulaLiAlSi₂O₆
Mohs Hardness6.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {110} and {110} (prismatic)
Fractureuneven to conchoidal
Specific Gravity3.1
Colorspink, lilac, violet
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityKonar Valley, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, feldspar, tourmaline, beryl, lepidolite
Rarityuncommon
Description
A large, pale pink to lilac-colored crystal fragment of Kunzite, exhibiting prominent vertical striations and a somewhat blocky, fractured appearance.
Geological Context
Kunzite forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks that crystallize from residual magma.
