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UnderstandWhat it is, what people ask, how far this page goes
Natural inorganic gem materials · Mineral / gemstone variety · Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Kunzite
Also known aspurple spodumene
A pink to purple gem variety of Spodumene; its colour may fade on exposure to light, and it must not be sold under the name Amethyst. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.
Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.
What this page can answer
This page covers
- How Kunzite forms and what gives its colourFormation setting, process and timescale; where its colour and optical effects come from, each finding graded and sourced
- How to identify KunziteHow far lab testing can go and whether a synthetic exists
- Treatments and enhancements of Kunzite2 registered treatments: status, stability, how common they are and identification leads
- Caring for and wearing KunziteCleaning, heat, chemicals and light, as the cited sources give them; durability indicators and wearing advice
- Hardness, density and refractive index of KunziteEach value with its source and check date
- Kunzite in English, Chinese and Japanese; national standard namesNames in four languages, the GB/T standard name and the suggested listing name; and: Which of GIA, FTC, CIBJO and Gem-A have a name for it on record, and do those agree?
- Name origin and history of KunziteWhere the name comes from
- Listing and disclosing KunziteThe listing name to use; what must be disclosed before sale
What we cannot conclude
- Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
- Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
- Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.
Material research: formation, causes and history
What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.
How it forms
Kunzite is the light pink to violetish purple gem variety of spodumene, not an independent mineral species; its formation is that of its parent, spodumene: a mineral characteristic of lithium-rich granite pegmatites, also present in aplites and gneisses. Kunzite's only variety-specific facts are its identity, colour and stability: it is found in Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar and California, cleaves perfectly in two directions and is pleochroic; its colour can be enhanced by irradiation followed by heat treatment, yet both natural and treated colour can fade with heat and bright light. Strictly, this record does not present spodumene's general formation facts as unique to kunzite.
Scope: Applies to describing the identity boundary, producing regions, treatment and stability of kunzite as the pink variety of spodumene; its origin is cited from the parent material spodumene, general facts about the parent material are not presented as facts unique to kunzite, and synthetic or imitation materials are not covered.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · GIA Kunzite Description · GIA Kunzite: Journey of the Stone
Where it forms
Lithium-rich granite pegmatites (the principal setting for the parent mineral spodumene)
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · GIA Kunzite Description
Aplites and gneisses (secondary settings of the parent spodumene)
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · GIA Kunzite Description
Kunzite localities: Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar and California (USA)
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · GIA Kunzite Description
How it forms, step by step
Lithium-rich granitic melts become strongly differentiated during the pegmatite stage, supplying Li, Al and Si for the parent spodumene (LiAlSi2O6).
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · GIA Kunzite Description
During pegmatite crystallization, spodumene crystallizes together with quartz, albite, petalite, eucryptite, lepidolite and beryl.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · GIA Kunzite Description
Spodumene crystallized in light pink to violetish purple is kunzite; its colour can be enhanced by irradiation followed by heat treatment.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · GIA Kunzite Description
Whether kunzite's colour is natural or resulted from treatment, exposure to bright light and heat can cause it to fade.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · GIA Kunzite Description
Link to appearance
Kunzite is light pink to violetish purple with a vitreous luster; it has two perfect cleavage directions and is pleochroic, its best colour being seen down the length of the crystal, so cutting orientation affects how deep the pink-to-violet colour appears.
Sources GIA Kunzite Description
Timescale
The sources state no absolute geological timescale for kunzite (or its parent spodumene) formation.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · GIA Kunzite Description · GIA Kunzite: Journey of the Stone
Related base materials
- Spodumene (LiAlSi2O6): variety-of | Kunzite is the pale pink to light purple gem variety of spodumene; the mineral species is still spodumene (see the Spodumene entry), and the variety name does not constitute an independent mineral species.
Supporting findings
Spodumene, the parent mineral, is a typical constituent of lithium-rich granite pegmatites, and it also occurs in aplites and gneisses, usually associated with quartz, albite, petalite, eucryptite, lepidolite and beryl.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes the parent spodumene's setting and associations; these are parent-level facts, not presented as unique to kunzite.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Kunzite comes from Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar, and California in the United States.
Evidence grade AScope: Lists kunzite's known localities; it does not give the detailed origin of any locality.
Sources GIA Kunzite Description
Recorded localities
Authoritative sources list the localities below; the list is not exhaustive.
Africa
- Madagascar
Sources GIA Kunzite Description
Asia
- Afghanistan
Sources GIA Kunzite Description
North America
- Pala district, San Diego County, California, United StatesGIA text names California; a photo caption names the Oceanview Mine, Pala district
Sources GIA Kunzite Description
South America
- Brazil
Sources GIA Kunzite Description
These are localities recorded by authoritative sources, not an origin finding for any individual piece. The CIBJO Gemstone Book (2022, §4.2.3) says a place of origin names where a gem was mined or harvested, is a matter of opinion, does not imply a level of quality, and that cutting, processing or exporting centres must not be used to imply origin. See how far testing can go on this page, the origin determination guide and the overview of recorded localities.
Causes of colour and optical effects
Kunzite cleaves perfectly in two directions and is pleochroic; its finest colour shows when the crystal is viewed along its length.
Evidence grade AScope: Describes kunzite's cleavage, pleochroism and cutting orientation; these are variety-level facts.
Sources GIA Kunzite Description
Where the name comes from
The origin of the variety name kunzite itself is not given in the cited sources. The etymology below belongs to the parent mineral spodumene, whose name derives from the Greek for "ash-coloured", in allusion to its colour. This etymology belongs to the parent mineral, not to the variety name kunzite.
Evidence grade BScope: The etymology explains only the origin of the name; it does not establish the material's composition, locality, naturalness, or treatment.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Other research findings
Kunzite is the gem variety of spodumene that ranges from light pink to violetish purple; it is not a species in its own right, and it forms in the same way as its parent, spodumene.
Evidence grade AScope: Defines the kunzite-to-spodumene variety-name-to-species relationship; it does not treat the variety name as an independent species.
Sources GIA Kunzite Description
Kunzite's colour may be improved by irradiating the stone and then applying heat; whether the colour is natural or was produced by treatment, it can be lost through exposure to bright light and heat.
Evidence grade AScope: Describes treatment of existing kunzite and its colour stability; not laboratory synthesis of the crystal.
Sources GIA Kunzite Description
Limits of this research
- Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
- The sources state no absolute geological timescale for kunzite (or its parent spodumene) formation.
- The specific chromophore of kunzite's pink colour (e.g. Mn) is not explicitly attributed by these sources, so no chromophore attribution is made.
- This record is a variety of spodumene; its formation cites the parent spodumene, and parent-level facts are not presented as unique to kunzite.
Methodology
- Origin determination and its limits
- Quality grading and value factors
- How gemmology became a technical discipline
Evidence grades
- A
- Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
- B
- Institutional educational material
- C
- Specialist databases or cautious readings
A statement is never graded above its strongest source.
This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.
DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments
- Suggested listing name
- Kunzite
GB/T 16552—2017 5.1.1 c) · CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 §7.2.1.124 “Kunzite”
Construction or treatment status
Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Treatments recorded for this material: Irradiated
Related:Disclosure and cautions
This page cannot answer
Natural? · Origin · Price
A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.
Related:What this page can answer
Answer at a glance
Kunzite is Pink-to-purple gem variety of spodumene; use "Kunzite" for listings, and disclose any known treatments.
What this means for you
Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Kunzite" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.
Known uncertainty
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-01
Care and wear
Normal care for every gemstone (CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.1), in brief:
- Handle it gently.
- Store pieces apart when not worn, so they cannot scratch each other.
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
- Use ultrasonic cleaners only with caution.
The §6.1 wording and the full list of §6.2 special-care letters cited on this page are on the general gem care page.
Care
care (cleaning)3 sources compared
Kunzite — care (cleaning): ultrasonic and steamer: avoid; note: avoid thermal shock.
Gems & Gemology 1987 (Martin)
- Treatment state
- untreated
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- Martin, “Gemstone Durability: Design to Display”, Gems & Gemology, Summer 1987: pp.66–67 fold-out chart, Spodumene (Kunzite) row, CLEANING column (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — care (cleaning): Avoid steam cleaning too; warm soapy water works best (lukewarm water, mild soap, toothbrush).
GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide)
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GIA Gem Encyclopedia — Kunzite Care and Cleaning Guide: Section “Cleaning” (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — care (cleaning): Some stones are susceptible to damage from ultrasonic cleaning. Do not expose them to ultrasonic cleaning.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code j
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Kunzite, p.78; §6.2 j (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Kunzite — care (heat): High heat or sudden temperature change can break it, and prolonged heat can fade its colour.
GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide)
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GIA Gem Encyclopedia — Kunzite Care and Cleaning Guide: Section “Stability” (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
care (light)2 sources compared
Kunzite — care (light): may fade or revert to its original colour in strong light; do not wear or leave it in strong light for extended periods.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code f
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Kunzite, p.78; §6.2 f (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Kunzite — care (light): stones that have been irradiated and then heated fade with heat and light, just as naturally coloured stones do.
GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide)
- Treatment state
- treated
- Only after these treatments
- heating, irradiation
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GIA Gem Encyclopedia — Kunzite Care and Cleaning Guide: Section “Treatment and Durability Considerations” (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — care (storage): Because prolonged bright light fades it, keep it in a dark container when not being worn.
CIBJO Retailers' Reference Guide (2021)
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- CIBJO Retailers' Reference Guide — Gemstones (November 2021) (CIBJO): p.34, Kunzite chapter, “Cutting, care and cleaning” (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
care (wear)2 sources compared
Kunzite — care (wear): perfect cleavage in two directions and poor toughness: a hard blow can split it and extreme pressure or sudden temperature change can break it, so shield it from sharp knocks.
GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide)
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GIA Gem Encyclopedia — Kunzite Care and Cleaning Guide: Section “Hardness and Toughness” (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — care (wear): cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code b
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Kunzite, p.78; §6.2 b (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Kunzite — care (special care): heated for colour: special care (SC); natural and treated stones may fade.
AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th ed.
- Treatment state
- treated
- Only after these treatments
- heating
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th edition (August 2026) (AGTA): p.XI, Gemstone Information Chart, Kunzite H, CARE REQUIRED / SPECIAL ADVICE (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — care (special care): irradiated and heated to deepen colour: special care (SC).
AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th ed.
- Treatment state
- treated
- Only after these treatments
- heating, irradiation
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th edition (August 2026) (AGTA): p.XI, Gemstone Information Chart, Kunzite R, CARE REQUIRED / SPECIAL ADVICE (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
care (setting)2 sources compared
Kunzite — care (setting): prong and bezel: use caution; channel: use extreme caution; flush and pavé: avoid; note: two perfect cleavages.
Gems & Gemology 1987 (Martin)
- Treatment state
- untreated
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- Martin, “Gemstone Durability: Design to Display”, Gems & Gemology, Summer 1987: pp.66–67 fold-out chart, Spodumene (Kunzite) row, SETTING column (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — care (setting): For valuable kunzite, jewellers prefer protective mountings, or pieces that see little wear such as pendants and brooches.
GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide)
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GIA Gem Encyclopedia — Kunzite Care and Cleaning Guide: Section “Hardness and Toughness” (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — care (repair): polishing: use caution; jeweller's torch, pickle pot and thermal shock: avoid; note: fuses easily under the torch; avoid thermal shock.
Gems & Gemology 1987 (Martin)
- Treatment state
- untreated
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- Martin, “Gemstone Durability: Design to Display”, Gems & Gemology, Summer 1987: pp.66–67 fold-out chart, Spodumene (Kunzite) row, REPAIR column (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — care (display): heat in the display case: use caution; sunlight and artificial light: avoid; note: kunzite commonly fades.
Gems & Gemology 1987 (Martin)
- Treatment state
- untreated
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- Martin, “Gemstone Durability: Design to Display”, Gems & Gemology, Summer 1987: pp.66–67 fold-out chart, Spodumene (Kunzite) row, DISPLAY column (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Common care questions and matching entries
CleaningKunzite must not be cleaned ultrasonically, and steam cleaning should also be avoided: Martin's Gemstone Durability: Design to Display states that for untreated kunzite, ultrasonic and steam cleaning should be avoided, as should thermal shock; the GIA Gem Encyclopedia states that steam cleaning should not be used either and that warm soapy water is best; the CIBJO Blue Book states that it must not be cleaned ultrasonically. Heat and lightOn heat and light: the GIA Gem Encyclopedia states that high heat or sudden temperature changes may crack kunzite, and that prolonged heat can also fade its colour; the CIBJO Blue Book states that it may fade or revert to its original colour in strong light, so do not wear or keep it in strong light for long periods. Wear and settingOn wear and setting: the GIA Gem Encyclopedia states that kunzite has perfect cleavage in two directions and poor toughness, so a hard blow may split it, and it should be protected from sharp knocks as far as possible; the CIBJO Blue Book states that kunzite cleaves or fractures easily, so wear it with care; for untreated kunzite, prong and bezel settings call for caution, channel settings for particular caution, and tension and pavé settings should be avoided.
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Care entries by treatment state
The same entries grouped by the treatment state each applies to; each links to its full wording and source. Letters are CIBJO special-care codes, explained on the gemstone care page.
untreated
- ultrasonic and steamer: avoid; note: avoid thermal shock
- prong and bezel: use caution; channel: use extreme caution; flush and pavé: avoid; note: two perfect cleavages
- polishing: use caution; jeweller's torch, pickle pot and thermal shock: avoid; note: fuses easily under the torch; avoid thermal shock
- heat in the display case: use caution; sunlight and artificial light: avoid; note: kunzite commonly fades
any treatment state
- Avoid steam cleaning too; warm soapy water works best (lukewarm water, mild soap, toothbrush)
- care (cleaning) §6.2 j
- High heat or sudden temperature change can break it, and prolonged heat can fade its colour
- may fade or revert to its original colour in strong light; do not wear or leave it in strong light for extended periods §6.2 f
- Because prolonged bright light fades it, keep it in a dark container when not being worn
- perfect cleavage in two directions and poor toughness: a hard blow can split it and extreme pressure or sudden temperature change can break it, so shield it from sharp knocks
- cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care §6.2 b
- For valuable kunzite, jewellers prefer protective mountings, or pieces that see little wear such as pendants and brooches
treated (Only after these treatments: heating, irradiation)
- stones that have been irradiated and then heated fade with heat and light, just as naturally coloured stones do
- irradiated and heated to deepen colour: special care (SC)
treated (Only after these treatments: heating)
Durability and wearing
Toughness
Brittle
Fracture
Uneven to subconchoidal
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Treatments and identification leads
Registered treatmentsThe treatments registered for Kunzite are irradiation and heating. Stability and frequencyIrradiation has the status treated, its stability is “unstable” and it occurs commonly; the identification lead is that spodumene is often irradiated: colourless or near-colourless spodumene can turn pink, and purple spodumene dark green, on irradiation, the colour fades with slight heating or exposure to light, and it is hard to detect; the source is the irradiation clause of GB/T 16553—2017. Values not givenHeating has the status treated, its stability is “unstable” and it occurs commonly; the identification leads and source for heating are registered as “—”, meaning the cited source gives no value, not “none”.
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| Treatment | Market frequency (CIBJO) | Stability (CIBJO) | GB/T 16552 category | JJA/AGL listing | Identification leads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| irradiationStatus: treated | commonly | unstable | Treatment | irradiation | See identification leads |
| heatingStatus: treated | commonly | unstable | — | — | — |
Where each treatment acts (schematics): Irradiated · Heated / Heat-treated
“—” means the cited source gives no value for that item, not “none”. Source: CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022 · GB/T 16553—2017; GB/T 16552—2017 Table B.1 (row for Spodumene); JJA/AGL 2025
Whether a treatment has to show in the name differs between the two rule sets (this site’s paraphrase):
- GB/T 16552—2017: a method classed as treatment has to be stated in the name itself — the method put before the name, or added in brackets after it; a method classed as optimization does not need to appear in the name, though one marked “Optimization (annotation required)” still has to be noted in the quality documents. Source: §5.4.2.1 a), b); §5.4.2.2 a)
- CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022: no longer splits treatments into ones that need specific disclosure and ones that need only general disclosure: every treatment is to be disclosed, and the seller tells the buyer which treatment was used and what special care it calls for. Source: §4.2.5 Note 2, §4.2.5.1, pp.14–15
What this table covers
What this page can give
- Registered treatments, their stability and how often they occur (see the table above)
- Identification leads for each treatment, for use when sending a stone for testing
How lab reports word it
A general LMHC wording rule also covers Kunzite (Information Sheet #8): see the LMHC rule “When colour authenticity cannot be determined”.
A general LMHC wording rule also covers Kunzite (Information Sheet #16): see the LMHC rule “Colour stability testing”.
VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources
Names
Besides Kunzite, the name register records "Kunzite" and "purple spodumene", for which no restriction on use as a name is recorded; 2 further names in non-Latin scripts are listed in the name register below (2 with no restriction recorded on use as a name).
Standard and listing namesThe national-standard name corresponding to Kunzite is spodumene (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1; the original standard does not list the name itself), and the suggested listing name is Kunzite. Trade and mineralogical namesThe market name is Kunzite, with the synonym purple spodumene and a short form in Simplified Chinese. Names in four languagesThe four-language names cover Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English (Kunzite) and Japanese. Institution usageOn authority wording, GIA and CIBJO have Kunzite on record; the FTC text on file has no wording for this name (checked); Gem-A is unchecked, and bodies without a record show the entry's own English name, which does not represent their position. Japanese namesFor Japan, the GSJ wording for the entry's own Japanese name is not yet verified by this site. Candidate search termsThe transliteration recorded in the JJA/AGL gem name handbook 2025 is used only as a candidate search term. Trade and mineralogical namesThe mineralogical name is the pink to violet gem variety of spodumene.
Name register
Every name recorded for this entry, with how it is classified, whether it may be matched to this entry automatically, whether it may be used as a product name, and the clause it rests on.
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| Name | Type | Matching | Use as a name | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| no restriction recorded (4) | ||||
| KunziteEnglish | market name | matched automatically | no restriction recorded | editorial ruling (no clause cited) |
| purple spodumeneEnglish | synonym | matched automatically | no restriction recorded | editorial ruling (no clause cited) |
| クンツァイトJapanese | transliteration | search candidate only | no restriction recorded | JJA/AGL Gemstone Nomenclature 2025 p.11 |
| 紫锂辉Simplified Chinese | short form | matched automatically | no restriction recorded | editorial ruling (no clause cited); Note: Social-media short form: GIA and mineral references tie it directly to kunzite, and the short form should normalise to this entry’s name; Reddit usage broadly matches the professional name. The condition “confirm the item is a spodumene gem variety” holds for any material claim, so it is not a reason to make the match conditional. |
How each authority words this name: see Names › Authority wording.
- GSJ (Japan) formal name
- クンツァイト／リチア輝石 (not yet checked for this body — the entry's own Japanese name is shown)
- GB/T naming counterpart (this name is not in the standard)
- 锂辉石 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1)
- Mineralogical name
- Pink-to-purple gem variety of spodumene
- Trade names and synonyms
- purple spodumene (synonym)
Four-language names
- 简体中文
- 紫锂辉石
- 繁體中文
- 紫鋰輝石
- English
- Kunzite
- 日本語
- クンツァイト／リチア輝石
See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index
Classification
- Origin
- Natural materials
- Material domain
- Natural inorganic gem materials
- Browsing family
- Other silicate minerals
- Identity tier
- Mineral / gemstone variety
- Mineral chemical class
- Silicates
- Construction or treatment status
- Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Treatments listed by standards
GB/T Table B.1In GB/T 16552—2017 Annex B, Table B.1, Kunzite is assigned the Spodumene row: irradiation, treatment. JJA/AGL designationsThe November 2025 revised edition of the JJA/AGL (Japan) definitions and nomenclature of gemstones and ornamental materials lists Kunzite under the species name spodumene, in pink, with a “no treatment” category listed in the table and irradiation recorded as irradiation treatment.
GB/T 16552-2017, Annex B, Table B.1
Under the “Spodumene” row of Table B.1: Irradiation Treatment. The full row, with the effect column, is on the Spodumene page.
What Table B.1 is, and how the “see 5.4.1” grades are defined: see the GB/T 16552: optimization vs treatment page.
JJA/AGL (Japan) table of principal gem names, 2025
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Gem name | Species | Colour | Listed in the table | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kunzite | Spodumene | pink | an untreated tier is listed; irradiation (Irradiated) |
JJA/AGL definitions and nomenclature (2025 revision), table of principal gem names, p.14
How to read the JJA/AGL table: see the Gem treatments page.
What it is and how it's identified
The material facts for Kunzite are recorded by scope: chemical composition, crystal system, hardness, density and refractive index are taken for spodumene (the whole mineral species), and overall structure, cleavage, optic character and lustre for pyroxene (the whole mineral group). For spodumene (the whole mineral species), the chemical composition is LiAlSi2O6, which may contain elements such as Fe, Mn, Ti, Ga, Cr, V, Co, Ni, Cu and Sn. The structure is crystalline for pyroxene (the whole mineral group) and monoclinic for spodumene (the whole mineral species). For durability, Mohs hardness is 6.5–7 for spodumene (the whole mineral species), with perfect cleavage in two directions for pyroxene (the whole mineral group). Density for spodumene (the whole mineral species) is 3.15–3.21 g/cm³, derived from the clause value 3.18 with tolerance ±0.03. Optically, optic character for pyroxene (the whole mineral group) is anisotropic, biaxial, positive; refractive index for spodumene (the whole mineral species) is 1.655–1.681, derived from the clause value 1.660–1.676 with tolerance ±0.005; pleochroism when untreated is moderate to strong, pink to light purplish red, and lustre when untreated for pyroxene (the whole mineral group) is vitreous.
Registered material facts
Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.
Chemical composition, luminescence, UV-visible spectrum, infrared spectrum, magnification: these whole-class features are given in the cited clause for pyroxene (the whole mineral group), so they are not repeated on the Kunzite page; see the material facts on the Pyroxene entry.
Items below that name the class they cover give the cited clause’s value for that whole class, not a measurement of Kunzite (how to read class-level values).
Definition
Kunzite — composition (chemistry): spodumene: LiAlSi2O6; may contain Fe, Mn, Ti, Ga, Cr, V, Co, Ni, Cu, Sn and other elements.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- spodumene (the whole mineral species)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Chemical composition · Spodumene (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — composition (phase): spodumene
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Structure
Kunzite — structure (overall): crystalline
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — structure (crystal system): monoclinic
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- spodumene (the whole mineral species)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Crystal system · Spodumene (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — structure (crystal system): monoclinic for diopside, augite and spodumene; orthorhombic for enstatite.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — structure (crystal habit): usually prismatic, sometimes forming flaky, radiating or fibrous aggregates; augite can form platy crystals.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Durability
Kunzite — Mohs hardness: 6.5–7
GB/T 16553—2017
Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- spodumene (the whole mineral species)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Mohs hardness · Spodumene (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — Mohs hardness: 5–6
GB/T 16553—2017
Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — cleavage: cleaves perfectly in two directions; aggregates normally show no cleavage.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
For Kunzite, the stability of irradiation is “unstable”.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- treated
- Treatment
- irradiation
- Qualification
This says how well the treatment holds up, not how durable Kunzite itself is.
- General note
- no durability verdict here
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
For Kunzite, the stability of heating is “unstable”.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- treated
- Treatment
- heating
- Qualification
This says how well the treatment holds up, not how durable Kunzite itself is.
- General note
- no durability verdict here
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Physical properties
Kunzite — density: 3.15–3.21 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- spodumene (the whole mineral species)
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 3.18, with a stated tolerance of ±0.03. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Density · Spodumene (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — density: 3.1–3.52 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Optical
Kunzite — optic character: biaxial, optically positive (anisotropic)
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — refractive index: 1.655–1.681
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- spodumene (the whole mineral species)
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 1.660–1.676, with a stated tolerance of ±0.005. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Refractive index · Spodumene (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — refractive index: 1.66–1.772
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — birefringence: 0.014–0.016
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- spodumene (the whole mineral species)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Birefringence · Spodumene (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — birefringence: 0.008–0.033
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — pleochroism: medium to strong, pink-red to light violet-red.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Pleochroism · Spodumene · pink to bluish violet-red (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — pleochroism: trichroism, weak to strong. Diopside shows light to dark green; enstatite shows brownish yellow and yellow, or green and yellow-green; augite shows light green, light brown and green-yellow. Pink-red to blue-purple-red spodumene is moderate to strong, showing pink-red and light purple-red; colorless and green spodumene is moderate, showing blue-green and yellow-green.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — fluorescence (overall): long wave moderate to strong, pink-red to orange; short wave weak to moderate, pink-red to orange.
GB/T 16553—2017
UV fluorescencepink-redorangemoderate–strongpink-redorangeweak–moderateDots are illustrative colours built from the colour names, not measured values
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Fluorescence (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — optical effect (chatoyancy): seen
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — optical effect (asterism): seen; a four-pointed star
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — body colour: Pink to bluish purple.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Qualification
In chapter 7 of the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book, the colour descriptions of Purple Sapphire, Sugilite, Pink Sapphire and other entries also name pink or a pinkish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
- CIBJO definitions
- chatoyancy, asterism
Quality factors
Kunzite — quality factor (lustre): vitreous
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
This material (RI / SG midpoints): 1.714 / 3.31; Closest values: 1Vesuvianite / Idocrase 1.711 / 3.38, 2Hydrogrossular 1.7 / 3.35, 3Tanzanite 1.696 / 3.28, 4Epidote 1.737 / 3.38, 5Axinite 1.683 / 3.31
Show the full chart (330 registered materials)
Outside the full chart's range, drawn as triangles at the edge (RI / SG midpoints): Hematite 3.045/5.12, Synthetic Rutile 2.76/4.26, Rutile 2.753/4.23, Synthetic Moissanite 2.67/3.22
Testing and market
The CIBJO laboratory protocol covers Kunzite under Spodumene; for identification methods see the identification part of the Spodumene entry, and the list of required tests is on the laboratory testing page. For irradiated or dyed Kunzite, the identification lead for irradiation is that irradiation is commonly applied to spodumene: colourless or near-colourless spodumene can turn pink and violet spodumene dark green after irradiation; the irradiated colour fades with slight heating or exposure to light, so it is difficult to detect. This lead covers spodumene as a whole mineral species; GB/T 16553—2017 can only be followed as a reference for Kunzite and does not govern it directly. No synthetic counterpart of Kunzite is commercially available. Among treated Kunzite on the market, irradiation is common, and heating is also common.
The CIBJO laboratory protocol covers Kunzite under “Spodumene” (§6.1.80): see identification on the Spodumene entry; the required tests are listed on the CIBJO laboratory protocol table for Spodumene.
How far testing can go
Kunzite that has undergone irradiation can be identified by the following features: commonly applied to spodumene: colourless or near-colourless spodumene can be turned pink by irradiation and violet spodumene dark green; the colour fades on slight heating or exposure to light; hard to detect.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- irradiated or dyed
- Does this standard apply
- can be followed as a reference only
- What this covers
- spodumene (the whole mineral species)
- Treatment
- irradiation
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (irradiation) (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Kunzite — synthetic counterpart on the market: No synthetic counterpart of this material is commercially available
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
For Kunzite in trade, the reported frequency of irradiation is “commonly”.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- treated
- Treatment
- irradiation
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
For Kunzite in trade, the reported frequency of heating is “commonly”.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- treated
- Treatment
- heating
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Evidence and sources
Authority basis and clause sources
Sources
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. Gemmological Laboratories Book (Blue Book), Gemmological Commission 2024-1.
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. The Gemstone Book (Blue Book), 2022.
- SAMR / SAC (China). GB/T 16552—2017 Gems — Nomenclature.
- GIA – Gemological Institute of America (United States). Gem Encyclopedia: Kunzite.
Further reading
Recorded cultural contexts
Japan's JJA 2021 revised roster lists Kunzite for September. This records trade-association convention only; it does not establish material identity, natural origin, treatment, provenance, or effect.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Publisher or holder | Region | From / period | Source and locator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Jewellery Association | Japan | from 20 December 2021 | Tanjoseki (Japanese birthstone roster, Japan Jewellery Association page; revision of 20 December 2021) 2021 revised birthstone roster, September row: Kunzite |
Related entries and topic cluster
Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Page | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing family | Other silicate minerals | Live |
| Treatments recorded for this material | Irradiated | Live |
| Related articles | To be added (placeholder) | Planned |
Who maintains this page
The material facts in the Kunzite entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.