Kunzite is a soft pink to lilac gem named after George F. Kunz, the famous Tiffany gemmologist who described it in 1903. It is gentle in colour and gentle in feeling, traditionally linked with love and calm. It can fade in strong light, so it is sometimes called the evening stone.
At a glance Β· Is this stone for you?
Kunzite at a glance
- π Pink to lilac
- π Fades in strong sun
- πͺ 6.5β7 hardness
- β οΈ Splits if knocked
- π Linked with the heart chakra
- π¦π« Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar
| Also called | Evening stone, pink spodumene |
|---|---|
| What it is | Spodumene (a lithium-bearing mineral) |
| Colour | Pale pink to violet-pink |
| Hardness | 6.5β7, but splits easily along one direction |
| Sunlight | Keep out of strong sun; colour can fade |
| Chakra (traditional) | Heart |
Let's start simple
What is kunzite?
Kunzite is the pink variety of spodumene. Its colour comes from small amounts of manganese. It also shows a stronger colour when viewed from one direction than another, so cutters orient it carefully. Despite good hardness, it has strong cleavage, meaning a sharp knock can split it.
A soft blush of colour, best kept out of harsh sun.
Why people choose it
What is kunzite used for?
π Love and kindness
Traditionally linked with compassion and open-hearted love.
π Calm
Used to ease stress and worry.
π Gifts
A gentle, meaningful gift for loved ones.
π§ Meditation
A soothing stone for heart-focused practice.
For absolute beginners
How do I choose kunzite?
π Colour
Stronger pink to violet is more valued.
π Clarity
Bead kunzite is often cloudy; that is normal.
πΏ Wear wisely
Bracelets are lovely but should be taken off for chores.
π Store dark
Keeping it out of sun keeps the colour.
Care
How do you clean and care for kunzite?
-
Wipe or quick rinse
Lukewarm water and a soft cloth.
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Avoid strong sun
Do not charge it in sunlight; use moonlight instead.
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Avoid knocks
Remove before sports or heavy work.
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No heat or ultrasonic
Both can crack or fade it.
Kunzite myths, cleared up
Myth: 'Kunzite is pink quartz.'
It is spodumene, a different mineral from rose quartz.
Myth: 'Sun charging is good for all crystals.'
Sun can fade kunzite's pink colour.
Myth: 'Hard stones cannot break.'
Kunzite is hard but can split along its cleavage.
Kunzite: questions people ask
What is kunzite good for?
Traditionally kunzite is linked with love, kindness and calm. These are traditional beliefs, not proven effects.
Does kunzite fade?
Yes, strong sunlight can slowly fade its colour, so store it out of the sun.
Who was kunzite named after?
George F. Kunz, a famous American gemmologist at Tiffany and Co.
Can kunzite go in water?
A quick rinse is fine; avoid hot water and ultrasonic cleaners.
Which chakra is kunzite?
It is usually linked with the heart chakra.
Is kunzite fragile?
It is hard but splits easily if knocked, so handle it gently.
Crystal meanings shared here are traditional beliefs, not medical advice.
