Kunzite is a variety of the pyroxene mineral spodumene, which is a lithium aluminum inosilicate. It’s a gorgeous gemstone closely related to the yellow-green spodumene called hiddenite and the yellow-gold spodumene called triphane. Kunzite has a different shade — appearing as a beautiful soft pink or violet pink, caused by traces of manganese.

Origin

Even though it was first discovered in the Pala District of San Diego County, California, today it is mostly found in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Madagascar, and Myanmar

Physical Properties

Kunzite is a fascinating stone with strong pleochroism and perfect cleavage, which means it has to be carefully faceted to display its best color and brilliance.

This beautiful pink gemstone has a vitreous or glassy luster. It is rated as a 5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it quite similar to quartz when it comes to hardness and luster.

Usually, it’s faceted with an emerald step-cut or Portuguese cut, which are the two cuts that most prominently display its color and brilliance. Kunzite also has excellent transparency, which makes it a favorite for jewelry makers.

Metaphysical Properties

Kunzite is known among modern crystal healing practitioners as “The Woman’s Stone” as it is believed to be a great help to young mothers, as well as girls entering puberty.

It is believed to be a protective and soothing stone, suitable for relieving heartache caused by loss, calming agitated nerves, as well as aligning the heart and the crown chakras.