Kunzite (167) Pakistan

Almost colourless kunzite from Pakistan.

Dimensions of the stone: L:29mm x W:28mm

This item is mounted on the base of a plexiglass box measuring L 55mm x W 40mm x H 32mm.

Chemical formula and composition: Kunzite is a variety of spodumene with the chemical formula LiAlSi2O6. It is composed of lithium, aluminium and silicate.

Hardness on the Mohs scale: Kunzite's hardness is between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale.

Density: The density of kunzite varies from 3.15 to 3.21 g/cm³. Density indicates how heavy a stone is in relation to its volume. The higher the density, the heavier the stone for a given size.

Colour and possible variations: Kunzite is mainly pink to violet in colour, but can also show shades of pale pink to lilac. The colour is due to the presence of manganese in its composition.

History and anecdote: 

Kunzite was discovered in 1902 by gemologist George Frederick Kunz, hence its name. It is often called the ‘evening stone’ because it must be worn in the evening to avoid discolouration from sunlight.