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.