A variety of SPODUMENE that is transparent and lilac-blue, violet or pink, showing strong pleochroism when deeply tinted. Some Brazilian stones mined since the 1960s also show tan, but loose the tan and bluish colours when subjected to heat treatment or exposed to strong light, retaining only the rose-violet.  

Owing to its pleochroism, the direction of cutting is important so as to feature the violet colour. The stones sometimes resemble pink topaz but are lighter and softer. Kunzite was named after George Kunz (1856 – 1932) , an eminent American gemologist.