PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- GROUP Silicates - inosilicates
- COMPOSITION LiAl(Si2O6)
- COLOR Grey, white to green, pink, colorless
- CRYSTALLINE SYSTEM Monoclinic
- CRYSTALLINE HABIT Prismatic
- HARDNESS 6.5 - 7
- FRACTURE Subconchoidal to splintery
- EXFOLIATION Perfect
- GLOSS Vitreous
- STRIP White
- TRANSPARENCY From transparent to translucent
- SPECIFIC GRAVITY 3.0 - 3.2
- REFRACTIVE INDEX 1.66 - 1.67
MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The kuncite or kunzite is a pink variety of the spodumene. It is a lithium aluminosilicate and belongs to the group of pyroxenes. Kuncite's color is due to the manganese it contains, and it tends to pale when exposed to light. Its name was given by the gemologist George Frederik Kunz in 1902.
The kuncite usually presents pleochroism, when observing the stone from different angles different colors can be seen. It appears in tabular and radial forms, in granites rich in lithium and in pegmatites.
Deposits: Brazil, United States, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Australia, Madagascar, Canada and Myanmar.
THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES
The kuncite or kunzite is one of the main stones associated with the heart chakra. It represents emotional balance and healing of the heart. Infuse love, peace and joy. It favors spirituality and helps to enter meditation. Kuncite enhances communication and creativity. It is considered a cleansing and protection stone.
