Mineral Species: Spodumene var. Kunzite 

Chemical Formula: LiAlSi2O6

Chemical Name: Lithium Aluminium Silicate

Mineral Class: Inosilicate

Mineral Notes: Spodumene is a rock forming mineral in granites and pegmatites that contain Lithium. Transparent coloured varieties inlude Kunzite and Hiddenite. Kunzite is the more common of the two and is known by most gem collectors. It has an attractive pink to lilac color that is unique in the mineral kingdom. Hiddenite is not well known or abundant. It has an usual green colour unlike that of either peridot or emerald. Spodumene is strongly pleochroic and therefore a gem cutter must take care to orient the stone in the best position for the deepest colour.

Description: A single, matrix-free, crystal of pale pink Kunzite. The crystal has a cylindrical form, having a triangular cross-section. Both ends are terminated. The terminations show interesting growth patterns. The crystal faces show striations which are attractive, although they limit transparency. A good display specimen.

Location: Kunar Tal, Nuristan, Afghanistan.