Kunzite, a gemstone known for its delicate pink to violet hues, is a variety of the mineral spodumene and is named after the renowned gemologist George Frederick Kunz. It was first identified as a unique gemstone in the early 20th century and has since been cherished for its clarity and color. The presence of manganese in kunzite gives it its distinctive color, which can range from pale pink to intense violet. Kunzite is often found in pegmatite deposits and is associated with other gemstones such as tourmaline and beryl. Its pleochroic nature means that its color can appear to change when viewed from different angles. Despite its beauty, kunzite remains relatively affordable and accessible to gem enthusiasts. It is also considered to be an alternate birthstone for the month of February. With a Mohs hardness rating of 6.5 to 7.0, kunzite is suitable for a variety of jewelry settings, although its perfect cleavage requires careful handling to prevent chipping or breaking.
