Kunzite is a beautiful pink to lilac variety of spodumene highly prized for its strong pleochroism and vibrant color. Collectors should note its perfect cleavage and tendency to fade in prolonged sunlight, requiring careful storage in shaded environments.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

gemstoneuncommonSpodumene family

Kunzite

Also: Pink Spodumene

Hardness: 6.5-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this kunzite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch kunzite with a known reference. Kunzite sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kunzite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kunzite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, violet, lilac.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals with heavy vertical striations.

Often confused with

Kunzite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside kunzite

Minerals reported to co-occur with kunzite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: LiAlSi₂O₆
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 3.1-3.2 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Violet Lilac
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals with Heavy Vertical Striations
Cleavage: Perfect Prismatic
Fluorescence: Orange Under SW UV
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Gemstone, Collector, Jewelry
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $10-100 per carat for high-quality faceted stones

Where rockhounds find kunzite

Classic worldwide localities

Afghanistan
Brazil
Madagascar
USA (California)
Pakistan

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where kunzite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, tourmaline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals with heavy vertical striations habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kunzite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, violet, lilac.

Where is kunzite found?+

Notable localities include Afghanistan; Brazil; Madagascar; USA (California); Pakistan.

How much is kunzite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-100 per carat for high-quality faceted stones. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like kunzite?+

Kunzite is most often confused with Pink Beryl, Pink Tourmaline. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kunzite?+

Kunzite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Albite, Tourmaline, Lepidolite, Beryl. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kunzite form in?+

Kunzite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kunzite used for?+

Kunzite is used in gemstone, collector, jewelry.

Find kunzite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.