KUNZITE (SPODUMENE)

KUNZITE IS A SPODUMENE! IT IS A PYROXENE MINERAL WITH THE CHEMICAL FORMULA OF LiA(SiO3)2 - LITHIUM ALUMINIUM INOSILICATE.  THESE CRYSTALS ARE VIVID LILAC TO PURPLISH IN COLOR.  THE CRYSTALS ARE MONOCLINIC - PRISMATIC WITH FLATTENED, ELONGATED SIDES.  HARDNESS IS 6.5-7.  REALLY GOOD, TRANSPARENT, COLORFUL KUNZITE IS CUT INTO GEMSTONES.  ON SOME OF THE PICTURES, A LIGHT WAS PLACED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CRYSTAL.  THIS REALLY SHOWS THE FANTASTIC COLOR OF THESE STONES!