Kunzite

Kunzite is a lilac colored gem variety of the mineral Spodumene, which is a lithium aluminum silicate. Kunzite is found with Morganite and in lithium rich pegmatites, often as very large crystals. It is deeply striated vertically.

 

Another variety of spodumene is the pale green hiddenite, found notably in North Carolina.

 

Chemistry: Lithium Aluminum Silicate ♦ Variety of: spodumene ♦ transparent to translucent ♦ Luster: vitreous to pearly ♦ Crystal system: monoclinic prismatic ♦ Moh's hardness: 6.5 ♦ Color: lilac ♦ Localities: Madagascar, Afganistan, Brazil, USA