kunzite

General Information of Natural Kunzite Gemstone

Like most natural gemstones, which are named after the person who discovered them or else researched it, kunzite gemstone is named after George Frederick Kunz (1856 – 1932), a New York jeweler. This gemstone was first discovered in Pala District of San Diego County in California in 1902. It is a fairly young gem, because it was discovered only a century back, and only now is it being seen in popular jewelry. The stone is valued for its pink color, which ranges in hue from a light pink to a deep lilac (bluish purple).

Kunzite gemstone belongs to the group of gems from the mineral spodumene. Due to its extreme fragility, kunzite is rarely used in jewelry where small pieces are needed. Instead, pendants are fashioned out of it and it is used as ornamentation for decorative objects. Gem kunzite is also known as the evening stone and the reason behind it is its susceptibility to lose color when worn in sunlight, for long periods of time.

Chemical Composition

Chemical formula of kunzite is LiAlSi2O6, making it a Lithium Aluminium Silicate of the group of minerals belonging to the pyroxene family, occurring in granite pegmatites.

Varities of Kunzite

Kunzite is variety of mineral Spodumene. Mineral Spodumene comes in pink to bluish purple, green, yellow, colorless, blue (very rare), and other colored varieties, typically light in tone. The pink to bluish purple colored stones are called as Kunzite. Medium green (rare, chromium colored) stones are called as hiddenite and yellow ones are called as triphane.

Physical Properties of Kunzite

Kunzite is a not a very hard stone measuring about 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale with a refractive index of 1.660-1.676 ( +/- 0.005). It has a specific gravity of 3.18 (+/- 0.03). Rough kunzite has long prism shaped crystals which are lathlike and transparent. These Crystals form in the monoclinic system and are typically heavily striated parallel to the principal axis. The crystal faces are often etched and pitted with triangular markings.

Color

Kunzite gemstone is pleochroic in nature and emits different colors, depending upon the cut, and the facet which has been highlighted. This gemstone may come in colors ranging from strongly purplish pink to bluish purple, while a few colorless stones belonging to this group have been identified. Kunzites sourced from Afghanistan often display a deep rich violet color as well as lighter shades of it, once again depending upon the observer’s angle. The lilac color is due to the minute traces of manganese found in the stone. To bring out the color, kunzite gemstone is almost always irradiated. Color enhancement by heat treatment is also common in this gemstone.

Cut

Like all gemstones, the beauty and color of the kunzite are dependent upon the skill of the cutter. Due to its perfect cleavage, the stone needs extreme care while cutting. Re cutting of this gemstone is generally not advised. The stone gives out a beautiful silvery sheen on its facet which enhances the delicate shades of the stone, and the shape of the stone can be of many different kinds.

Carat

Large pieces of kunzite rough are usually found and hence it is a relatively affordable gemstone. The beauty of the stone can be appreciated in large pieces, as they hold the color well and also because it occurs naturally in big chunks.

Clarity

Kunzite gemstones are generally free from any inclusions clear stones of eye clean, VVS, VS grade etc are commonly found, and the traces of manganese found in the stone in fact lend it color.

Price Range of Kunzite Gemstone

The Kunzite is a comparatively cheap gemstone and can be bought for prices ranging from as little as $ 1 per carat. The price increases depending upon the color of the stone. Big pieces of more than 100 cts+ size with deep pink-blue color can be bought for USD50-USD100. Pale colored stones are very cheap. Also it goes without saying that treated and irradiated kunzites sell for far lesser price than natural untreated ones.

Producers

This beautiful pink stone comes from mainly USA, Madagascar, Brazil, Myanmar and Afghanistan.

Simulants

Kunzite is often confused with the rose quartz, synthetic pink sapphire, Morganite, Spinel, Tourmaline and Fancy Sapphire.

Interesting Trivia and other Kunzite Facts

Medium green colored hiddenite gemstones of Spodumene family are usually sold in the market using the trade name as Lithia emerald. Light green or irradiated green spodumene cannot be called as hiddenite. To be called as hiddenite the mineral ahould have fair amount (medium) of green in it.

The kunzite is valued in gem therapy as a stone which gives the wearer peace of mind and calm disposition. It is also worn by people who wish to pursue the path of devotion for it induces inner peace and gives clarity of mind. Its healing properties extend to soothing frayed nerves and bringing about serenity, all of which is credited to its iridescent color. It is recommended that a person should hold the stone and look at it, in order to release stress and fatigue.

Tourmaline

A stunning bi-color tourmaline acorn, cut by Pala International’s Meg Berry. This stone won an AGTA Cutting Edge award in 1995. Photo: Wimon Manorotkul

Introduction/Name. Tourmaline is the name for a group of related mineral species. In gemological practice, individual species names are not used. Instead all are simply termed “tourmaline.” The name is derived from the Sinhalese word “tourmali,” which means “mixed parcel.”

Color. Color is king for Tourmaline, which is found in more hues, shades and nuances than any other gem. Indeed, not only does tourmaline come in every possible color, but some tourmalines have more than one color in the same stone. Here are a few of the more important varieties:

• Rubellite – red
• Indicolite – blue
• Chrome– intense green colored by chromium/vanadium
• Bi-Color – tourmalines which display two or more colors in the same stone
• Watermelon – Bi-color tourmalines which show a green skin and a red core; these are often cut as slices
• Canary – bright yellow tourmaline from Malawi
• Paraíba– intense blue to green from Paraíba, Brazil, colored by copper
• Cat's Eye – chatoyant tourmaline in a variety of colors
• Color-Change – changes from green in daylight to red in incandescent light

Other varieties are sold simply with a color prefix, as in “pink tourmaline.” As with most gems, the color should be as intense as possible, not too dark or too light.

One of the more distinctive features of tourmaline is its strong pleochroism, with the ordinary ray color (the color seen parallel to the c-axis) being deeper than that of the extraordinary ray. In some varieties, this can easily be seen in the face-up position.

The effects of pleochroism can clearly be seen in this oval green tourmaline. Along the vertical axis, a bluish green color is seen, while along the horizontal axis, the color is yellowish green. This is a product of the doubly refractive nature of tourmaline. Photo: Wimon Manorotkul

Lighting. The proper lighting conditions for tourmaline will depend on the color variety. Reds, oranges and yellows generally look best under incandescent light, while greens, blues and violets appear prettier under daylight. When buying any gem, it is always a good idea to examine it under a variety of light sources, to eliminate future surprises.

Clarity. Different varieties of tourmaline tend to have different clarities. Thus while large clean tourmalines in the blue and blue-green colors are available, almost all red and pink tourmalines will show eye-visible inclusions. The most common inclusions in tourmaline are fractures and liquid-filled healed fractures. Needle inclusions are also common.

This suite of electric Paraíba tourmalines shows just why the stone has set the gem world afire. Stones such as this typically sell for tens of thousands of dollars per carat. Photo: Wimon Manorotkul

Cut. The cuts used on tourmaline are as varied as the color. Due to its strong pleochroism, darker tourmalines are cut to display the lighter of the two pleochroic colors. This means orienting the c-axis of the crystal parallel to the table facet. Gems cut with this orientation are often rectangles and rectangular emerald cuts because of the elongated nature of tourmaline crystals.

Tourmalines of lighter color are typically oriented with the table facet perpendicular to the c-axis, to display the richest color possible. Thus they are often cut as rounds, triangles, trillions and ovals. A quick glance at the tourmaline suite shows this.

In addition to faceted stones, cabochon-cut tourmalines are often seen.

A suite of tourmalines from Pala International illustrates the tremendous variety within this gem family. Photo: Wimon Manorotkul

Prices. The prices of tourmaline vary tremendously, depending on the variety and quality. Most expensive are the Paraíba tourmalines, which may reach tens of thousands of dollars per carat. Chrome tourmalines, rubellites and fine indicolites and bi-colors may sell for as much as $1000/ct. or more. Other varieties are available for prices between $50–750/ct., depending on the richness of the color.

Stone Sizes. Paraíba tourmalines are extremely rare in faceted stones above 2 cts. Fine Paraíba above 5 carats can be considered world-class pieces. Most stones tend to be less than 1 ct. Chrome tourmalines of quality are rare in sizes above 10 cts., as are rubellites.

Sources. Tourmaline is a pegmatite mineral and so is mined from the world’s great pegmatite districts. Foremost is Brazil, but fine tourmalines are also found in San Diego County, including the famous Pala pegmatite district, and Maine. The East African countries of Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Madagascar have also produced fine tourmaline in the past. Beautiful yellow “canary” tourmalines come from Malawi, while extremely fine rubellites and blue-green tourmalines are found in Nigeria. Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Burma also produce gem tourmalines on occasion.

This watermelon tourmaline pendant from California’s Himalaya Mine is a wonderful example of the variety. Jewelry: The Collector; Photo: Wimon Manorotkul

Enhancements. Like the color itself, the enhancement possibilities for tourmaline are wide in variety. The resulting stones are stable under normal wearing conditions and completely safe. Heat treatments are used in some instances, while irradiation is used in others. Occasionally tourmaline is oiled to hide the visibility of fractures and other surface-reaching fissures.

Imitations. Tourmaline has never been synthesized, but a number of imitations exist, including natural stones and man-made imitations such as glass.

Properties of Tourmaline

	Tourmaline (a mineral group)
Composition	Tourmaline is one of the most complex of all mineral groups, and includes the following species: Buergerite: NaFe3+3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(O)3(OH) Chromdravite: NaMg3[Cr,Fe3+]6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 Dravite: NaMg3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 Elbaite: Na(Li1.5Al1.5)Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 Feruvite: CaFe2+3[Al5Mg](BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 Foitite: [Fe2+2(Al,Fe3+)]Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 Liddicoatite: Ca(Li2Al)Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 Magnesiofoitite: [Mg2+2(Al3+)]Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 Olenite: NaAl3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(O)3(OH) Povondraite: NaFe3+3Fe3+6(BO3)3Si6O18(O)3(OH) Rossmanite: (LiAl2)Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 Schorl: NaFe2+3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 Uvite: CaMg3[Al5Mg](BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 In summary, tourmaline is a complex aluminum boro-silicate, with heavy emphasis on the “complex.” One pundit likened it more to a medieval alchemist’s brew than a respectable mineral species. And a glance at the above formulae would bear that out.
Hardness (Mohs)	7 to 7.5
Specific Gravity	3.06 (+ 0.20; - 0.06)
Refractive Index	1.624–1.644 (0.18–0.40; usually 0.20, may be greater in dark stones); doubly refractive, uniaxial negative
Crystal System	Hexagonal-trigonal
Colors	Any and all. Tourmaline occurs in more colors than any other gem. Some colors have specific variety names, including: Bi-color: More than one color in the same stone Chrome: Intense green, colored by chromium and/or vanadium Indicolite: Blue Paraíba: Electric blue to green, colored by copper Rubellite: Red Watermelon: Pink in the center, green at the edge
Pleochroism	Strongly dichroic with the ordinary ray having a darker color
Dispersion	0.017
Phenomena	Cat's eye tourmalines are common. Color-change chrome tourmalines, which change from green to red, are occasionally found.
Handling	Ultrasonic: generally safe, but risky if the gem contains liquid inclusions Steamer: not safe The best way to care for tourmaline is to clean it with warm, soapy water. Avoid exposing it to heat or acids.
Enhancements	A variety of enhancements are regularly applied to tourmaline, depending on the source and variety. These include heat, irradiation, and oiling.
Synthetic available?	No

General information on Gemology

Gemology, the study and science of gems, can be as much an anthropological study as it is a mineralogical one. Gemstones, because of their remarkable beauty, durability and rarity, have been granted a significance that helps us understand the history of mankind. The human race, from its infancy to present day, has sought to protect itself behind walls of mysticism and superstition reinforced with gem talismans that could be easily carried and hidden.

Ancient lore and legends associated with gems have, for the most part, been replaced with "rational" references of romance and poetic beauty, but precious stones remain the greatest universal talismans of wealth and power!

What is Gemology?

Gemology is the scientific study of gemstones, which often involves the study of mineralogical fundamentals such as formations, genesis, localities, physical properties and identification of gemstones. It includes the basic knowledge of structural, crystallographic, chemical and physical characteristics and properties of gems. It also involves the way in which gemstones are fashioned.

Special Gemology deals with categories and varieties of gemstones, synthetic stones and imitations. Conventionally, the organic substances such as amber, pearls, coral and the non-minerals are also included in this subject of special gemology.

Practical Gemology refers to the application of the knowledge of characteristics and properties of gemstones in identification or separation of synthetics and imitations. Diamond grading is included in practical gemology.

What is a Gemologist?

A gemologist is someone who studies gemstones. Being recognized as a gemologist usually involves having credentials from one of the Institutes for Gem(m)ological Studies discussed below (see Becoming a Gemologist below).

What are gemstones?

Gemstones are usually minerals but sometimes organic substances. What separates them from minerals in general is that they are used in jewelry or for ornamentation. That is a very thin line of separation, but usually we take 4 factors into account:

• Durability
• Rarity
• Beauty
• Acceptability

And, of course, there is a 5th factor:

• Fashion

All the factors above are relative in nature. For instance, amber has very poor durability, isn't very rare and in general is not highly priced. Yet it is considered to be a gem due to its beauty.

On the other hand, most sapphire has good durability but can be very unattractive and inexpensive. Only a small portion of all sapphires mined have good color/beauty. The same can be said for diamond; the vast majority of diamonds mined are used for industrial purposes because they lack the necessary beauty to be worn as jewelery.

Becoming a Gemologist

Becoming a gemologist in general means hard work and commitment. A wise teacher once said "You are only permitted to read books related to our trade and a religious book of your choice from now on . . . for the rest of your life".

Education

Although you can find very useful information on the Internet (like here), we strongly suggest that you take formal training from one of the established institutes listed below. Our editors have graduated from at least one of them.

Some of the online gemological schools are basically run by one person and in case of mishap the school will cease to exist, as well will be your "diploma".

Gem-A

Better known as The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, this school is London based with departments worldwide. It offers distance tutoring as well as teaching centers.
The primary focus is on in-depth theory and the exams are the hardest to take in the industry. A fellowship of Gem-A means esteem.

Costs for Gem-A's distance learning courses:

Foundation correspondence course GBP 1500.00
Diploma correspondence course GBP 1695.00 (on completion is granted the FGA title).

Gem Diamond diploma course GBP 1795.00 (on completion is granted the DGA title).

Website http://www.gem-a.info/

GIA

The Gemological Institute of America is the most prestigious and respected institute for gemology within the United States. Its main location is in Carlsbad, California, with facilities in New York and Los Angeles. Courses may be completed by distance learning via the online "virtual campus". It was established in 1931 by Robert Shipley, and currently the GIA is the world’s largest and one of the most respected nonprofit institutes of gemological research and learning internationally. It employs nearly 900, including scientists, diamond graders, and educators.

Costs:

On campus (CB/NY/LA): 6 month continuous program (780 hours) $14,695

Distance Education: GEM130, GEM230, GEM230L, GEM120, GEM220,GEM220L, GEM240, GEM240L (Maximum completion time: 63 months) $6,975 ($7,420 International)

What you earn: Graduate Gemologist Diploma, Graduate Diamonds Diploma, Graduate Colored Stones Diploma
Website: http://www.gia.edu

AIGS

Thailand is in the heart of Southeast Asia's gem and jewelry production and trading area. It presents you with an extraordinary opportunity to learn gemology in theory and practice while experiencing the gem business in a three dimensional way.

The A.G. program, which leads to the A.G. (Accredited Gemologist) Diploma, includes the four core courses:

E102: Gem Identification

E103: Diamond Grading and Pricing

E201: Colored Stone Grading and Pricing

E301: Synthetic and Treated Gem Identification.

These 4 courses can be studied in any order, in one or several study periods at AIGS. It is recommended that “Gem Identification” be studied before “Synthetics and Treated Gems”.

Students enrolling in the entire A.G. program are entitled to a 15% discount off the total tuition fee. Courses must be taken within one year of the first date of payment. Beyond the one year period, students will be subjected to any tuition increases that may have occurred. (Example: Old fee = 20,000 Baht, New fee in effect since date of enrollment = 22,000 Baht, Additional amount to be paid = 2,000 Baht.)

Living expenses and general overhead are amazingly low compared to countries such as USA, Japan and most of Europe. Students studying at the AIGS can live with a US$600 to US$1000 budget per month including housing near the school, weekend field trips, restaurants and entertainment. Of course, you can spend much more if you want to, but this amount yields a comfortable lifestyle!
Website: http://www.aigsthailand.com/

DGemG

The Deutsche Gemmologische Gesellschaft (The Educational Training Center of the German Gemmological Association) is located in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. Idar-Oberstein is an international colored stone gem capital, where gem cutting has been traditionally mastered for centuries. It is currently bustling with local gem artists and studios. It has, perhaps, the highest per capita population of gem cutters in the world! The German Gemmological Association was founded in 1932. Its laboratories have modern state of the art equipment, and one of the most extensive colored and exotic gemstone collections available.

Costs:

Euro 5,800.00

Website:http://www.dgemg.de/gemmologen_eng/index.php?seite=home

FGAA

The Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA), founded in 1945, is Australia’s historic trade-accepted non-profit educational authority for gemology.
They offer gemological courses in 6 state divisions.

Costs: contact one of the six state divisions for pricing.

Website: www.gem.org.au

CGA

The Canadian Gemmological Association, based in Toronto Canada, is a Canada-wide professional organization which has set the standard for excellence in the practice of gemology. It was founded in 1958 by Dean S.M. Field, and has since provided training in gemology to persons dealing with gemstones in the jewelery industry and to hobbyists for better appreciation and possible new career opportunities within gemology.

They offer a one-year correspondence course as well classes on location.

Costs:

The two-year correspondence course, leading to a Diploma in Gemmology and a Fellowship (FCGmA) in the Canadian Gemmological Association, is offered from CAD 2,150.00

Website canadiangemmological.com

Post Graduate

After gaining your gemological diploma, the real fun starts. You will know the basics and more importantly you will know how to understand the many articles published in various periodicals.
If you keep up as a consumer of the gemological literature and are involved with continuing education, you will be a good gemologist one day.

Career Opportunities

As with any profession, it is all up to you what you will become and what your salary will be.

Think of a gemological diploma as if you have finished your first year in college and the pay rate according to that when you start out. You will be qualified to find jobs in gemological laboratories worldwide and will be the key figure in the local jewelry store. You may become manager of a company, start your own gem trading business, become an appraiser, or you might just stay shoveling municipal gardens etc. Anything you set your mind to. Pay rate is according to experience and market.
Our best advice is to start networking from the start and to seek a new employer every few years so you can gain as much know-how as you can.