KUNZITE

kunzite, a transparent lilac-coloured variety of spodumene, used as a gem-stone. it was discovered in 1902 near pala, in san diego county, california, not far from the locality which yields the fine specimens of rubellite and lepidolite, well known to mineralogists. the mineral was named by dr c. baskerville after dr george f. kunz, the gem expert of new york, who first described it. analysis by r. o. e. davis showed it to be a spodumene. kunzite occurs in large crystals, some weighing as much as 1000 grams each, and presents delicate hues from rosy lilac to deep pink. it is strongly dichroic. near the surface it may lose colour by exposure. kunzite becomes strongly phosphorescent under the rontgen rays, or by the action of radium or on exposure to ultra-violet rays. (see spodumene.)