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KUNZITE

Pale pink kunzite was discovered in 1902 in the Pala District of San Diego County in California. Today, the prism-shaped crystals with their typical vertical striations are mainly found in Afghanistan, Madagascar,  Brazil and the USA. The crystals, or fragments of crystals, often badly eaten away, can attain sizes of up to several kilogrammes.

As a variety of spodumen, kunzite belongs to the class of the chain silicates. It has minute traces of manganese to thank for its fine lilac colour. However, the colour can fade in direct sunlight. For that reason, jewellery with kunzite should never be worn while sunbathing or on the beach.

Its hardness is fairly good, between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale. To the chagrin of the cutters, however, this gem has perfect cleavage and is thus extremely difficult to cut. Having said that, once it has been given its final shape, it becomes uncomplicated.  But it is very difficult to re-cut. Cut kunzite surprises even experts again and again with its brilliance. The silvery gloss on its facets forms a beautiful contrast to the fine violet-pink of the gemstone.

In the trade, kunzite is available in many beautiful cuts. It is one of the gems which are available in relatively large sizes at affordable prices. When making a purchase, however, you should remember that it is first the colour and then the clarity which determines its value. The more intense the colour, the more valuable the kunzite. The question of whether the colour should tend more or less strongly towards violet will depend on your personal preference and skin type. Type 1 Gemstones The following gemstones are typically inclusion free, even minor inclusions detract from their value.  Diamond, Amethyst, Beryls(Aquamarine,Morganite), Citrine, Smoky Quartz, topaz, Chrysoberyl, Kunzite, Tanzanite, green Tourmaline, and Blue Zircon     IF Internally flawless under extreme magnification (Very rare)  F Flawless   VVS Minute inclusions under 10x; invisible to the unaided eye   VS Minor inclusions under 10x; usually invisible to the unaided eye   SI1 Noticeable inclusions under 10x; usually visible to the unaided eye   SI2 Noticeable inclusions under 10x; usually quite visible to the unaided eye   I1 prominent- moderate affect on appearance or durability   I2 prominent - severe affect on appearance or durability   I3 prominent- severe affect on beauty, transparency or durability     Type 2 Gemstones Gemstones that normally have small inclusions that do not detract from value.  Alexandrite, Andalusite, Iolite, Peridot, Rhodolite, Ruby, Sapphire,  Spinel, Tourmaline, Garnet, Amethyst, Red Zircon, Tsavorite; Blue,  Orange, Purple, Fluorite.Yellow and Parti-colored Tourmaline     F Flawless   VVS Minor inclusions under 10x; usually invisible to the unaided eye   VS Noticeable inclusions under 10x; often invisible to the unaided eye   SI1 Obvious inclusions under 10x; visible to the unaided eye   SI2 Obvious inclusions under 10x; very apparent to the unaided eye   I1 prominent - moderate affect on appearance or durability   I2 prominent - severe affect on appearance or durability   I3 prominent - severe affect on beauty, transparency or durability     6 mm = 1/4 inch (Approx)