Kunzite is a variety of the pyroxene mineral spodumene, which is a lithium aluminum inosilicate. It's a gorgeous gemstone closely related to the yellow-green spodumene called hiddenite and the yellow-gold spodumene called triphane. Kunzite has a different shade ” appearing as a beautiful soft pink or violet pink, caused by traces of manganese.
The Physical Properties of Kunzite
Kunzite is a fascinating stone with strong pleochroism and perfect cleavage, which means it has to be carefully faceted to display its best color and brilliance. In that, it is similar to topaz and diamond. However, to preserve its color, it's important to keep it out of direct sunlight. It can come in very large crystals of over 1,000 carats.
This beautiful pink gemstone has a vitreous luster, and it is rated as a 5-7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it quite similar to quartz when it comes to hardness and luster. Usually, it's faceted with an emerald step-cut or Portuguese cut, which are the two cuts that most prominently display its color and brilliance. Kunzite also has excellent transparency, which makes it a favorite for jewelry makers.
The History of Kunzite
Kunzite was first discovered in 1902 by George Frederick Kunz and promptly named after him. He was a famous New York jeweler and a specialist in gemstones. Even though it was first discovered in America ” more accurately, in the Pala District of San Diego County, California ” today it is mostly found in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Madagascar, and Myanmar.
Some kunzite specimens have certainly become famous. A specimen that comes to mind is the 47-carat kunzite set into a ring that sold for $410,000 in 1996. It was auctioned by the Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. It was bought for her by President Kennedy, who died before having the chance to present it to her. There is also a specimen housed at the Smithsonian Institution ” a heart-shaped, 880-carat piece that is simply marvelous.
The Lore of Kunzite
Kunzite is a recently discovered stone, so it hasn't been present in human culture and used long enough to develop magical lore or to appear in ancient tales. However, modern practitioners of crystal healing love this stone for its many healing properties.
The Metaphysical Properties of Kunzite
Kunzite is known among modern crystal healing practitioners as the Woman's Stone as it is believed to be a great help to young mothers, as well as girls entering puberty. The belief is that kunzite can help mothers who are having difficulties with childcare, especially by calming down hyperactive children and helping them establish a good sleeping pattern. Kunzite is also believed to be successful in treating migraines that are linked to hormones, as well as other female issues such as PMS and menstrual pain.
Kunzite is believed to be a protective and soothing stone, suitable for relieving heartache caused by loss, calming agitated nerves, as well as aligning the Heart and the Crown Chakra.
In addition to being beautiful, kunzite's many fascinating properties make it a perfect addition to your collection of healing crystals.
