Introduction
Kunzite is a gorgeous gem that has captured not just the hearts of gem lovers but also attention in light soft pink to violet colors. This beautiful stone comes from the spodumene family and is recognized for its gentle energy and unique physical properties. In this complete guide, we go through everything there is to know about Kunzite, from history and meaning to benefits and how to care for it. We will also provide you with shopping and wearing tips about Kunzite so that you know what to do while purchasing and wearing this gemstone.
Table of Content :
- What is Kunzite Gemstone?
- How to Use Kunzite Gemstone
- Kunzite Gemstone Buying Guide
- How to Clean Kunzite Gem
- Celebrities Kunzite Jewelry
- Conclusion
What is Kunzite Gemstone?
History Of Kunzite
Kunzite was first discovered in 1902 by a well-known gemologist George Frederick Kunz. He worked for Tiffany & Co. and discovered this rare gemstone in California, USA, which was such an exciting addition in the world of gems. Since it was named after Kunz, the stone soon became popular in the jewelry market due to its distinct color and properties.
Composition of Kunzite as a Mineral
Kunzite belongs to the family of spodumene minerals holding transparency with luster. Manganese imparts the signature pink to lilac color of this gemstone. Colors for Kunzite range from light pastel pink to intense violet and depend on the amount of manganese. The stone scores between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale, thus qualifying it as a relatively hard gemstone suitable for jewelry application although proper care needs to be taken against impacts since it has perfect cleavage.
Kunzite Color and Appearance
The most attractive characteristic of Kunzite is its dazzling color. The same gemstone can occur in any of a wide range of tints of pink, from palest pink to deep violet-pink sometimes to a greenish tint, depending on the nature of the source light. Due to pleochroism, Kunzite’s colour may appear different under different lighting conditions. So, Kunzite gemstones would appear pink under daylight but more violet when exposed to incandescent light.
Diversity of Kunzite
Kunzite stones vary with regard to how bright and even the coloring is. Higher-quality Kunzite stones show a deeper and more saturated color while lower-quality stones are washed out or have visible inclusions. Some of the characteristic varieties of Kunzite are:
- Pink Kunzite: Pastel light pink, it is the commonest variety.
- Violet Kunzite: More saturated violet-pink color.
- Green Kunzite: This type is less in popularity and has a greenish hue due to slight alteration in the mineral composition.
How to Use Kunzite Gemstone
How to Wear Kunzite Gemstone Jewelry
Kunzite is also available in pieces of jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Since the stone is fragile, it is encouraged that kunzite jewelry be worn in a way that reduces exposure to harsh elements or impact. Necklace and earrings are good because they are the least likely to damage a gemstone.
Meditating With Kunzite
Kunzite also can be used for healing. This healing can be emotional since the stone aids in releasing the emotions of people and spiritual evolution. To meditate using kunzite, you can hold the stone and place it close to your heart while focusing on meditation. This will make you relax and uplift. Kunzite is especially good for heart-centered meditations because of the energy it has that promotes the opening of the heart chakra.
Kunzite Gemstone Buying Guide
Factors to Consider When Buying Kunzite
When purchasing Kunzite, you will need to consider several factors in order to obtain the quality stone:
- Color: Seek for pink or violet colors. The richer and deeper the colors, the more expensive.
- Clarity: Fewer inclusions and imperfections are required for Kunzite stones. Stones with higher transparency are preferable since clearer stones are desired.
- Cut: It should be well-cut to really demonstrate its pleochroism and to display all the colors.
- Carat Weight– Kunzite typically appears in bigger sizes, and hence it is common to find stones weighing several carats. The price will be directly proportional for the stone size, color saturation, and intensity.
Price of Kunzite Gemstone
Kunzite is relatively affordable, though the price of a stone will be determined by the color, clarity, and carat weight. Top quality Kunzite stones that have deeper saturation of color, with fewer inclusions, can range from $100 to $500 per carat. It will be substantially less costly for pale colors or heavily included stones.
How to Buy Kunzite Gems
You can purchase Kunzite from authenticated gem sellers, both online and from a physical store. Do ensure that the seller provides authenticity certification of the gemstone. The following are some authentic Kunzite dealers.
- Online Retailers: Gemstone websites such as Gemselect, James Allen, and Blue Nile have some of the most exquisite certified Kunzite stones available for sale.
- Local Jewelers: You can visit a local jeweler and see the Kunzite in person before you make your purchase.
How to Clean Kunzite Gem
How to Clean Kunzite
Kunzite is a delicate gem and should be cleaned with gentle techniques so that it does not become dull. Follow the given steps to clean it safely.
- Pour lukewarm water in a bowl. Add a small amount of mild dish soap.
- Gently brush the Kunzite stone with a soft brush, such as a toothbrush.
- Rinse the stone completely of water and soap.
- Dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
How to Store Kunzite
Keep your Kunzite gemstone in a soft pouch or inside a jewelry box lined with fabric when not in use. Do not keep it among harder gems like diamond or sapphires as these will easily scratch it. One should also not expose Kunzite to direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure will fade the stone’s color in due course of time.
How to Care for Kunzite
To make sure your Kunzite jewelry remains protected, do the following:
- Do not wear Kunzite while engaging in any sport, gardening, or cleaning exercises.
- Refrain from placing your Kunzite near chemical substances such as perfumes, hairsprays, and housekeeping detergents.
- Exercise utmost care to ensure that a sudden blow or impact with a great deal of force does not shatter or break your Kunzite because it has perfect cleavage.
Celebrities Kunzite Jewelry
The Kunzite at the Smithsonian Institution
Perhaps the most famous Kunzite gemstone is that held in the Smithsonian Institution’s gem collection. The Kunzite weighs a staggering 880 carats and shows the extreme pleochroism of the stone, changing color to pink and violet according to the light under which it is observed.
The Pink Gemstone Jacqueline Kennedy Wore
The gemstone also gained popularity due to jewelry owned by no other than Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is famous for wearing a Kunzite ring that was presented as a gift to her by her husband, President John F. Kennedy. Such rings, including the emotions and romance they represent, will forever remind people about this gem’s association with romance and love .
Conclusion
Indeed, Kunzite is truly a stunning gem that can confer several benefits, from emotional healing to spiritual growth. Its vibrant color and soothing energy make it a perfect choice for jewelry, meditation, and crystal healing. It is versatile enough that whether you want to have a beautiful gemstone to add up to your jewelry collection or perhaps a stone to enhance spiritual practices, Kunzite brings peace, love, and tranquility to the wearer. In buying a Kunzite stone, one should consider three major factors: color, clarity, and carat weight. With proper care, Kunzite brings beauty and emotional balance for many years.
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