George Fredrick Kuntz was the famed gemologist to discover the stone as a unique variety of the mineral spodumene back in 1902. The element of manganese is what gives this beautiful gem its delicate pink hues, and is sourced mainly from Afghanistan, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and San Diego County in California.
Cutting a kunzite from its rough crystal is a very difficult task, only completed by master gemstone cutters. Kunzite has two perfect cleavage directions. It’s pleochroic, with the best color visible when you look down the length of the crystal. Stone cutters keep these elements in mind when they position gems for finishing. They may also cut a kunzite deep to accentuate its pink/violet color.
This gemstone with its fine, delicate pink is not only an ideal precious stone for lovers; it is also popular as a healing stone. Kunzite is said to enhance a person’s capacity for devotion and understanding and to bestow inner peace and joie de vivre on its wearer. And since it is also said to activate the mind and liberate us from worry and anxiety, it is an excellent gemstone for those suffering from strain or exam nerves. Whether or not one actually believes in these positive effects, one thing is certain: its fine pink with a hint of violet radiates a serene composure and keeps moods of depression and anxiety at bay right from the outset.
