Kunzite
Last updated: April 2026
The pink to lilac variety of spodumene, known for strong pleochroism and fluorescence.
Kunzite has a specific gravity of 3.18 and a refractive index of 1.660–1.676, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7.0. It is biaxial +.
Physical & Optical Properties
Measured with a polariscope, a refractometer, a hydrostatic balance, a Chelsea filter, a UV torch, a loupe, a darkfield loupe and a spectroscope — step-by-step for each.
Through the refractometer
Drawn from the refractive index above, on a 1.40–1.81 scale. How to take this reading.
Related: Spodumene Varieties
Key Differentiators
- Strong pleochroism
- Strong orange fluorescence
- Perfect cleavage in two directions
Common Simulants
- Morganite: Morganite: uniaxial negative DR; RI 1.583–1.590; SG 2.80; peach-pink vs kunzite's violet-pink; different pleochroism colors.
- Pink topaz: Topaz: biaxial positive; perfect basal cleavage; SG 3.53; RI 1.609–1.643.
- Pink Tourmaline (Rubellite): Tourmaline: uniaxial negative; RI 1.624–1.644; SG 3.06; strong dichroism.
- Glass: Isotropic; gas bubbles under loupe; no cleavage in two directions; no pleochroism.
Commonly Confused With
Commonly confused with: Morganite, Pink Topaz, Pink Tourmaline, Glass.
Treatments
- Irradiation (to deepen pink/violet)
Measurement Guides
Identifying a kunzite? Loupewise walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
Try Loupewise Free →Studying for the GIA, FGA, or FEEG practical? Kunzite is one of the 132 species in Loupewise’s drill and exam pool — practice identifying it from its measured properties under timed exam conditions.
Practice exams →