Kunzite

Colour: Purplish Violet-pink

Name derivation: Named after its patron - jeweller and gemstone specialist – G. F. Kunz who became the first person to give a comprehensive description of this stone in 1902

Symbolism: Feeling of relaxation, serene composure and keeps moods of depression and anxiety at bay

Gemstone family: Spodumene

Hardness: Moh’s Scale 6.0-7.0 (soft but robust structure) – Extremely difficult to cut and/or to re-cut

Geography: Brazil, Madagascar, Afghanistan and USA

Cleaning procedure: Clean carefully using warm (not hot) soapy water. Must not be cleaned ultrasonically or by steam cleaning. May fade if exposed to sunlight for long periods of time so you shouldn’t wear your Kunzite while sunbathing or when using a tanning bed

Value factors: Rarity, Intensity of colour; Brilliance and “life” of stone; Size of stone