Kunzite

History
Kunzite was first discovered around the turn of the twentieth century, and was named after George Frederick Kunz, a gemologist who worked for Tiffany. It is one variety of spodumene, of which hiddenite is the green variety.

Features
Kunzite is generally pale pink to pale lilac in color, and frequently crystallizes in flattened prisms. Occasionally flawless, kunzite often shows signs of cleavage in two directions, even inside a cut stone. Color is generally deeper when viewed down the length of a crystal, and can fade over time and prolonged exposure to sunlight. Good cleavage makes kunzite difficult to cut well.

Treatments
Kunzite is sometimes irradiated to enhance its color, but this is infrequently done, as the treatment is not permanent. Prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause the colour to fade.

Principal Deposits
Good quality deposits of kunzite can be found in Brazil, Madagascar, Pakistan, and California and North Carolina in the US.

Rarity
Large crystals yielding up to 10 carat stones are common, though the color is usually pale. Good color stones are difficult to find.