What Is Kunzite?

There are many gemstones that have been popular and well-known in jewelry for centuries: rubies and sapphires, diamonds and emeralds, are some of these. But there are also lesser known stones such as alexandrite, tanzanite, labradorite and others that may be more uncommon due to rarity, or because they are younger and have not had time to gain such immense popularity. Kunzite is one such stone.

Definition

Kunzite is a light pink to slightly lavender gemstone that was first discovered in California in 1902.

The Name

Kunzite is named for George Frederick Kunz, a jeweler at Tiffany and Company in New York at the time the stone was discovered. He was the first to comprehensively describe and categorize the stone.

Hardness

The Kunzite is a medium to hard gemstone, measuring 6 or 7 out of 10 on the Mohs' scale of hardness.

Value

Kunzite may still be found in large pieces for relatively small prices. It is valued by color first, then for clarity, so the deeper the pink color, the more valuable the piece.

Location

Kunzite is found and mined in Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar and the United States.