- Jewelry Identifier
- Gemstones
- Kunzite
* spodumene gemstone
Kunzite: identification, value, and how to spot a fake
Pink variety of spodumene. Named for George Kunz (Tiffany's gemologist). Strong pleochroism. Color may fade in prolonged sunlight ('evening stone'). Two perfect cleavages — challenging to cut.
Published May 30, 2026
Quick facts
- Mineral family
- spodumene
- Chemical formula
- LiAl(SiO3)2 (Mn impurity)
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5–7
- Refractive index
- 1.66–1.676
- Specific gravity
- 3.15–3.21
- Crystal system
- monoclinic
- Luster
- vitreous
Colors
Kunzite is found in pink, violet-pink. The body color, its saturation, and how evenly it spreads through the stone are among the strongest drivers of value.
How to tell real from imitation
No single test settles it, but a few grounded checks quickly narrow things down for Kunzite. Hardness, brilliance, and the list of stones it is commonly confused with all give you something concrete to look for.
- Scratch resistance: genuine Kunzite sits at Mohs 6.5–7, so it should resist scratching from softer materials — a stone that mars far too easily is suspect.
- Brilliance & luster: Kunzite shows a vitreous luster and a refractive index of 1.66–1.676; imitations often look glassier or flatter under the same light.
- Density: a real Kunzite has a specific gravity near 3.15–3.21, so it feels heavier or lighter in the hand than many look-alikes of the same size.
- Commonly imitated by: morganite, pink sapphire. If a deal looks too good, suspect one of these substitutes first.
- Fast first read: photograph the stone in the Jewelry Identifier app to estimate the gemstone and its likely value range, then confirm anything important with a gemological lab.
Common treatments
- irradiation (to enhance color)
Treatments are routine for many Kunzite stones, but they materially affect value and should always be disclosed — an untreated, lab-certified stone commands a clear premium over a treated one.
What to know about Kunzite
Pink variety of spodumene. Named for George Kunz (Tiffany's gemologist). Strong pleochroism. Color may fade in prolonged sunlight ('evening stone'). Two perfect cleavages — challenging to cut.
Sources
* Frequently asked
FAQ
- Q. Is Kunzite hard enough for everyday rings?
- A. Not ideally. At a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7, Kunzite is soft enough to scratch with everyday wear, so it is better suited to earrings, pendants, or occasional-wear rings with protective settings.
- Q. How can I tell Kunzite from morganite?
- A. Kunzite and morganite can look alike to the naked eye, but they differ in measurable properties — refractive index (1.66–1.676 for Kunzite), specific gravity (3.15–3.21), and hardness (Mohs 6.5–7). A gemologist confirms the distinction with a refractometer and loupe; the Jewelry Identifier app gives a fast first read from a photo.
- Q. Does Kunzite come in colors other than pink?
- A. Yes. Kunzite occurs in pink, violet-pink. Color is driven by trace elements and treatment history, and it is one of the biggest factors in a stone's value.
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