Kunzite

Kunzite has poor toughness due to its perfect cleavage, making it prone to chipping and cracking under impact.

Kunzite's sensitivity to sunlight and heat as well as its negative reaction to chemicals make it less stable for daily use where such exposures are common.

Spodumene was first described in 1800 for an occurrence in the type locality in Utö, Södermanland, Sweden. It was discovered by Brazilian naturalist Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva. The name is derived from the Greek spodumenos (σποδούμενος), meaning "burnt to ashes," owing to the opaque, ash-grey appearance of material refined for use in industry. Spodumene occurs in lithium-rich granite pegmatites and aplites. Associated minerals include: quartz, albite, petalite, eucryptite, lepidolite and beryl. Transparent material has long been used as a gemstone with varieties kunzite and hiddenite noted for their strong pleochroism. Source localities include Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, Pakistan, Québec in Canada and North Carolina, California in the US.

Kunzite is a decorative stone often used in jewelry. Bracelets and necklaces are common, but the stone can also be found in rings and earrings. Discovered in the 20th century, the stone was primarily used in industrial applications like ceramics and battery production until the 1990s when some of the more spectacular crystals began appearing as pendants for necklaces.

Kunzite works with the Third Eye and Heart chakra to release negative feelings and provide emotional healing. It also works with the Crown chakra as a mood booster. When placed on the Throat chakra, practitioners say it will facilitate better communication and allow for more honesty in all areas of life.