Kunzite

Scientific Name: Spodumene

Group: Silicates – inosilicates

Chemical composition: LiAl(Si2O6)

Colors: Gray, white to green, pink, colorless

Hardness: 6.5 to 7

Formation: Monoclinic crystal; Prismatic form

Principal Sources: Brazil, North Carolina

Special Notes: Source of lithium and used in batteries. The name is derived from the Greek spodumenos meaning “burnt to ashes,” owing to the opaque, ash-grey appearance of material refined for use in industry.