Kunzite

Spodumene

6.5–7Hardness (Mohs)

LiAlSi₂O₆:MnChemistry

5Known origins & mines

Pink-lilac spodumene identified by Tiffany's George Kunz in 1902 from Pala, California. Afghanistan's Nuristan and Laghman provinces now supply the finest large crystals; Brazil and Madagascar follow. Fades slowly in bright light — "evening stone".

Known origins & mines

Laghman Kunzite Valley · Afghanistan

Active mining · Legendary locality

Nilaw-Kolum pegmatites produce history's largest gem kunzites — the 1990s "Afghan Princess" crystals exceeded 900 carats with vivid lilac sa…

Pala Tourmaline Queen · United States

Historic mine · Legendary locality

San Diego county pegmatites (Tourmaline Queen, Stewart, Himalaya) birthed gem morganite in 1900s and hot-pink tourmaline for Tiffany — weeke…

Urucum Kunzite Pocket · Brazil

Historic mine · Notable deposit

The Urucum mine's spodumene chambers also grew museum kunzite — Brazilian lilac crystals anchor most major collection displays.…

Fano Mine · United States

Natural occurrence · Minor occurrence

Vanderburg - Katerina Pegmatite · United States

Active mining · Notable deposit

Mineral family: Spodumene

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