In this article
Written by Sameer
Reviewed on
Kunzite is the pink-to-lilac form of the mineral spodumene, and some very fine crystals come from Afghanistan and the mountains of northern Pakistan. That soft, glowing pink is easy to love, and for the same reason easy to copy with pink topaz, glass or lab-made stones. Luckily kunzite has a few habits of its own that make it easier to pin down than many pink stones.
Clue 1: the colour changes as you turn it
Kunzite is strongly pleochroic. In plain words, it shows different colours when you look through it along different directions of the crystal. Rotate a loose stone and you may see it move from a deeper violet-pink to a paler pink, or nearly colourless. A good cutter puts the best colour face-up, but you can often catch a hint of the shift from the side. Glass doesn't do this at all.
Clue 2: how heavy it feels
Kunzite is clearly lighter than topaz of the same size. Hold two similar pink stones, one in each hand. If one feels obviously heavier, that one is more likely to be topaz.
Clue 3: what's inside
Under a loupe, kunzite may show fine, needle-like tubes or growth lines all running the same way. Glass imitations usually show round bubbles and swirl marks instead.
Clue 4: the price tag
Even large, clean, well-coloured kunzite is still fairly affordable next to pink sapphire. So be wary of a "pink sapphire" offered at a kunzite price, and of "kunzite" in a loud, vivid hot pink, which may be lab-made or dyed glass.
Treated kunzite
Some kunzite is irradiated and then heated to deepen or settle its colour. Ask whether yours has been treated. We say so whenever we know, and if you want certainty, an independent lab can test it.
What kunzite doesn't like
At 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale kunzite stands up to scratches well enough. But it has perfect cleavage in two directions, so a sharp knock can split it cleanly along a flat plane. It is also known to fade if it sits in strong light for long periods. In practice that means:
- choose pendants and earrings, or a well-protected ring that comes out for occasions;
- keep it in a dark box, not on display in the sun;
- clean it only in lukewarm soapy water, never ultrasonic or steam.
Kunzite and Shukra
In South Asian practice kunzite is connected with Venus (Shukra) and worn for compassion and calm. These are traditional beliefs, not promised results; see our rashi guide.
Buying kunzite
We check every stone and photograph each one on its own, so the colour you see on screen is the stone that arrives. Browse the kunzite collection, or compare it with nephrite and tiger eye. The Urdu names are on our names page. We deliver with Cash on Delivery, first across Karachi, usually within 1–2 working days, and on to Lahore and every other city. You open the parcel and check the stone in front of the rider before you pay.
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