#monoclinic

gemologygeek

Gemacation: Blue Kunzite

Well, you know me... I live for finding the rare, love finding the unique and fascinated with learning everything there is about a gem.

I have seen Kunzite 100’s of times in my life, yet its never stopped me in my tracks. Until this time... it was not because of its cut, or size, but its color!!! This stone was a Blue Kunzite! And I totally GeekedTheGemOut!!!

We commonly see this stone in pinks, purples and sometimes violet. But this color was definitely a first for me!!!

Kunzite is a variety of the mineral Spodumene.

Kunzite’s color is commonly enhanced by irradiation followed by heating. Along with other gemstones, Kunzite is one gem we must add extra caution with because its color is not stable and will fade over time if left out in direct sunlight or heat.

Kunzite has two directions of cleavage, meaning if a cutter is not careful this stone can split right at its cleavage or fall apart from too much pressure while being faceted.

Kunitze was first discovered in San Diego, California in 1902 by Mineralogist George Frederick Kunz (who it's named after). San Diego continues to be one of the most important sources today.

Mineral: Spodumene

Variety: Kunzite

Crystal System: Monoclinic

Mohs: 6.5- 7

Malachite - Cu2CO3(OH)2; from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.