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Surprisingly Kunzite was discovered in The United States, early in the 20th century. Even its name has American roots: this pink gem variety of mineral spodumene is named in tribute to George Kuntz, the legendary gem scholar, gemologist, and gem buyer for Tiffany & Company at the turn of the century. The author of The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, Kuntz searched the globe for old stories and legends about gems as he searched for new varieties and new deposits.
Kunzite was first found in Connecticut, USA. But the first commercially significant deposit was discovered in 1902 in the Pala region of California, where morganite beryl was also first discovered. The name was a brilliant marketing move: the miners named the gem after its most likely customer, Kunz. Morganite was named for the customer’s customer: J. P. Morgan.
Today most kunzite is mined in Brazil, Afghanistan, and Madagascar. Kunzite is often found in association with morganite and pink tourmaline, the other popular pink gemstone.
Kunzite is relatively hard, but should be handled with care because, like diamond, it has a distinct cleavage. A sharp blow, if it lands in the wrong place, can break in in two. Kunzite should also be protected from heat and continued exposure to strong light which may gradually fade its color. Clean with mild dish soap: use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect.
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