Kunzite: Soft Pink Evening Gem

Kunzite is the pink to violet variety of the mineral spodumene, coloured by manganese. It grows in long, flat crystals and is usually very clean, so it is cut into large, bright stones that show its soft colour well. The palette runs from pale blush pink to lilac and light violet.

The Hindu Kush is one of the world's most important kunzite regions. Pegmatites in Afghanistan's Nuristan and Kunar provinces, and in nearby parts of northern Pakistan, have produced large, gem-quality crystals. As with every stone, we state origin only where we know it.

Choosing kunzite

Because the colour is gentle, size matters. A small kunzite can look almost colourless; stones above 5 carats show a clear pink. Like tourmaline, kunzite looks deepest down the length of the crystal, so good cutting orients the table to that direction. Look for an even, saturated pink without brownish tones, and a cut that sparkles rather than looks glassy and flat.

Some kunzite is irradiated and heated to intensify colour. The listing for each stone says what we know about this.

Kunzite has a reputation as an evening stone. Long exposure to strong sunlight can slowly fade its colour, so it is best worn for occasions and stored in a drawer. It makes a graceful gift for women and suits white gold or silver.

Kunzite rates 6.5 to 7 for hardness, so it resists scratches reasonably well, but it has two directions of perfect cleavage. It is one of the trickier gems to set, and a sharp knock can split it. Choose a protective setting such as a bezel and an experienced jeweller. Pendants and earrings are the best everyday choices. Clean with warm soapy water only.