Spodumene var: Kunzite (''floater'' crystal)

Item Description

Kunzite is the pink gem variety of the mineral Spodumene and fine crystals are some of the most well-known examples of gem minerals in the world. Despite the fact that they are pervasive in the minds of collectors, there are really only three major places in the world where fine crystals have been found in any significant quantity: San Diego County, California; Minas Gerais, Brazil and Nuristan/Kunar/Laghman, Afghanistan. The crystals from Afghanistan are arguably - on a more consistent basis - the sharpest examples found, as the Brazilian and Californian pieces can often be fairly etched. This piece is a great example of said material as it's notably sharp and well-formed with lightly etched faces all over, and a pleasing pink hue. It's quite gemmy as you can see, and it's lustrous all over. The piece is a complete "floater", as it is doubly-terminated because it's re-crystallized ("re-healed") where it detached from the pocket wall. Specimen weight is 165.50 grams. As is often the case with this material, the color is strongest when the piece is viewed down the "c" axis, as Spodumene is strongly pleochroic. No major damage anywhere, a very nice example of these classic Kunzites. Valued $2,500.