Iridescent Stones
Menu
HomeGemstonesColoursHardnessSearchIdentify

Gemstone profile and identification guide

Kunzite

Kunzite profile is under factual gemological review. Properties shown here are provisional unless marked as verified.

6.75 Mohs Green, Brown Pyroxene (Spodumene Variety)
Kunzite

Overview

Kunzite profile is under factual gemological review. Properties shown here are provisional unless marked as verified.

Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.

Identification

Name: Kunzite

Scientific classification: Pyroxene (Spodumene Variety)

Hardness: 6.75 Mohs

Transparency: transparent

Lustre: vitreous

Crystal system: Monoclinic

Primary colour: Green

Secondary colour: Brown

Colour family: Greens

Start with hardness, lustre, and transparency: Kunzite is recorded here as 6.5 on the Mohs scale with vitreous lustre and transparent transparency. The interaction between green and brown tones is more useful than the primary colour alone when comparing candidates. Useful side-by-side comparisons include Topaz, Moonstone, Peridot.

Verification Status

Status: verified-core-fields

Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society

Core identity fields reviewed against consensus gemological references (GIA/Gem-A/Mindat/IGS).

Some market- and locality-level details may still require citation-grade source notes for publication workflows.

Physical Properties

Hardness category: medium

Hardness value: 6.75 Mohs

Chemical composition: Lithium aluminum silicate (LiAlSi2O6)

Crystal system: Monoclinic

Common locations: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Brazil, Madagascar, United States (California)

Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.

Colour Variations

Kunzite sits in the greens grouping here, usually reading first as green with brown appearing as a secondary note or modifier.

Optical effects: Pleochroism

Detailed Gemology

Mineral species: Spodumene (kunzite variety)

Mineral group: Pyroxene group

Chemical formula: Lithium aluminum silicate (LiAlSi2O6)

Mohs hardness: 6.75

Crystal system: Monoclinic

Lustre: vitreous

Transparency: transparent

Streak: White

Cleavage: Perfect in two directions

Fracture: Uneven to splintery

Specific gravity: 3.13-3.20

Refractive index: 1.66-1.68

Optical phenomena: Pleochroism

Colour range: Green, Brown, Pink, Rose

Common inclusions: Growth tubes, fractures, and zoning

Geological environment: Kunzite occurs in Lithium-bearing granitic pegmatites. Its Monoclinic structure reflects the pressure-temperature conditions of those host rocks, with notable occurrences in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Brazil, Madagascar, United States (California).

Principal mining regions: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Brazil, Madagascar, United States (California)

Important commercial sources: Commercial kunzite is produced mainly from pegmatites in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Brazil, and Madagascar

Historical significance: Spodumene varieties are modern collector and jewelry gems with strong color identity.

Common treatments: Color can be modified by irradiation and heat in some spodumene materials.

Synthetic or imitation forms: Glass and other colored gem simulants are used as imitations.

Common look-alikes: topaz, moonstone, peridot

Jewellery uses: Kunzite is used chiefly for Often best in pendants, earrings, collector cuts, and occasional-wear rings that showcase colour without unnecessary risk.. In the trade it is commonly fashioned as faceted stones, calibrated cuts, and higher-clarity collector pieces, with Mohs hardness 6.75 guiding suitable jewellery applications.

Care recommendations: Kunzite should be cleaned with lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. At Mohs 6.75 in the Monoclinic system, avoid steam cleaners, harsh chemicals, and high-impact wear. Protect cleavage directions from sharp knocks during wear and setting.

Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Kunzite.

Formation

Kunzite is a Spodumene (kunzite variety) material with chemistry Lithium aluminum silicate (LiAlSi2O6). It develops in Lithium-bearing granitic pegmatites, and economically significant production is associated with Afghanistan, Pakistan, Brazil, Madagascar, United States (California).

Origin

Commercial kunzite is produced mainly from pegmatites in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Brazil, and Madagascar

Uses

Best for: Kunzite is used chiefly for Often best in pendants, earrings, collector cuts, and occasional-wear rings that showcase colour without unnecessary risk.. In the trade it is commonly fashioned as faceted stones, calibrated cuts, and higher-clarity collector pieces, with Mohs hardness 6.75 guiding suitable jewellery applications.

Ideal uses: Often best in pendants, earrings, collector cuts, and occasional-wear rings that showcase colour without unnecessary risk.

Care

Kunzite should be cleaned with lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. At Mohs 6.75 in the Monoclinic system, avoid steam cleaners, harsh chemicals, and high-impact wear. Protect cleavage directions from sharp knocks during wear and setting.

Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.

Kunzite FAQ

How can I identify Kunzite?

Compare hardness (6.75 Mohs), crystal system (Monoclinic), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.

What colour range does Kunzite appear in?

Kunzite sits in the greens grouping here, usually reading first as green with brown appearing as a secondary note or modifier.

Where is Kunzite commonly used?

Often best in pendants, earrings, collector cuts, and occasional-wear rings that showcase colour without unnecessary risk.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.