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Kunzite

Spodumene in the color pink is known as kunzite. Kunzite crystallizes in the form of striated, lath like flattened crystals, and in massive formations. Kunzite is named in honor of George Frederick Knuz (1856-1932), the first recognized American gemologist, who predicted its existence just after the turn of the last century.

The first discovery of Kunzite was made in the vicinity Santa Barbara, California.  Since then it has been found in Maine, Brazil, Madagascar and the Middle East; most notably in Afghanistan.

Given the right conditions spodumene crystals can reach gargantuan size.  The largest spodumene crystal on record was mined at the Etta Mine in South Dakota; 75 metric tons and some 42 feet in length.

Lore

Despite its fairly recent discovery, Kunzite has developed quite an extensive lore about it.  It is an especially prized gem to followers of the New Age philosophies.  Note that pale greenish-yellow to nearly emerald green spodumene is known as hiddenite, another gem well respected by New Age devotees.

Generally, kunzite is said to assist one in reaching the altered mental state of deep meditation. Because kunzite is thought to promote self assurance and dissolve negativity, it is believed that kunzite imparts the ability to handle almost anything.

Kunzite is also a stone of uncompromising love, given and received.

George Frederick Kunz, America’s most famous gemologist , wrote a number of works on gem lore.

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