monoclinic Inosilicates
Kunzite
LiAlSi2O6:Mn
Quick Facts
Hardness
6.5
Specific Gravity
3.15
Refractive Index
1.66
Optical Character
Biaxial +
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Kunzite (Spodumene)
#! System: Monoclinic (2/m)
#! Habit: Elongated prismatic with strong pink pleochroism
monoclinic[2/m]:{110}@1.0 + {100}@0.8 + {010}@0.6 + {001}@1.2[pleochroism:strong]
monoclinic
2/m
{110} {100} {010} {001}
Physical Properties
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Hardness (Mohs)6.5
Specific Gravity3.15
CleavagePerfect in two directions
FractureUneven to splintery
LustreVitreous
Optical Properties
Refractive Index1.66
Birefringence0.014-0.016
Optical CharacterBiaxial +
Dispersion0.017
Pleochroismstrong: Pink / Violet/Purplish-pink / Near colorless (Strong trichroism; best color seen down c-axis; fades in prolonged light)
FluorescenceStrong orange-pink (LWUV); notable phosphorescence
Colours
PinkLilacVioletColorless
Localities
AfghanistanBrazilMadagascarUSA (California)Pakistan
Common Inclusions
Growth tubesEtch tubesHealing cracksLiquid inclusionsMulti-phase inclusions
Known Treatments
Irradiation (to enhance colour)
Crystal Forms
prismpinacoid
Interactive Preview
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Open in Playground #! Species: Kunzite (Spodumene)
#! System: Monoclinic (2/m)
#! Habit: Elongated prismatic with strong pink pleochroism
monoclinic[2/m]:{110}@1.0 + {100}@0.8 + {010}@0.6 + {001}@1.2[pleochroism:strong]
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the monoclinic system
