Kunzite is a rare, vibrant pink to purple variety of the mineral spodumene. It is known for its striking color, which ranges from light pink to deep violet, often with a subtle bluish hue. Kunzite is prized for its excellent clarity and strong pleochroism, meaning the stone can appear in different shades when viewed from different angles. Its color is typically most intense in larger crystals.

Named after gemologist George Frederick Kunz, who first discovered it in the early 20th century, Kunzite is often used in fine jewelry. It is a relatively soft gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, which makes it more prone to scratching compared to other gemstones like sapphires or diamonds. Due to its sensitivity to heat and sunlight, kunzite stones should be handled with care and stored away from intense light to preserve their color.

Kunzite is also believed to have metaphysical properties, often associated with love, peace, and emotional healing.