Kunzite Atlanta | Kunzite is known as the "evening" stone and was discovered in 1902 and named after G.F. Kunz, Tiffany and Company's chief gemologist at the time and a noted mineralogist.

Atlanta Kunzite | Kunzite is the pink variety of spodumene, which also includes a green variety of gemstone known as Hiddenite (both shown above). Kunzite is strongly pleochroic, meaning there is a color intensity variation when a crystal is viewed from the top or bottom than from other directions. The top and bottom of the crystal reveal the deepest colors and knowledgeable gem cutters take advantage of its effects.

Kunzite in Atlanta | Kunzite's cellular structure gives it perfect cleavage and so it is very sensitive to pressure along this cleavage plane. Orientation of the gem material is critical to successful faceting of this material. Due to Kunzite's cleavage, splintery fracture and strong pleochroism it is considered a real gem cutters' challenge. However, its lovely pink to violet color makes Kunzite an attractive and desirable gemstone.

Kunzite Atlanta | As noted below in Technical Characteristics, the lithium in Kunzite's chemical composition - LiAl (Si2O6), lithium aluminum silicate - gives it a wonderful pink-violet color that compliments either fall or spring wardrobes. It shows its color well in larger sizes. Since it is a pastel gem, small sizes tend to be very pale. Kunzite needs a certain amount of mass to bring out its color. Keep Kunzite out of direct sun or high heat because it can fade. This fact has earned it the nickname: Evening Stone. Jewelry featuring Kunzite should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Ionic cleaners and/or warm, soapy water and a soft brush are the best ways to clean Kunzite.

Sources
Atlanta Kunzite | Kunzite is mined in Afghanistan, Brazil, Burma, Canada, Madagascar, Malagasy Republic, Mexico, Pakistan, Russia, Sweden and the United States.

Durability
Kunzite in Atlanta | Kunzite is a fragile stone with a hardness of 6-7. It is of a comparable value to red Garnet.