monoclinic Inosilicates
Kunzite
Formula LiAlSi2O6:Mn
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Kunzite (Spodumene)
#! System: Monoclinic (2/m)
#! Habit: Elongated prismatic with strong pink pleochroism
monoclinic[2/m]:{110}@1.0 + {100}@0.8 + {010}@0.6 + {001}@1.2[pleochroism:strong]
monoclinic
2/m
{110} {100} {010} {001}
Quick Facts
Hardness
6.5
Specific Gravity
3.15
Refractive Index
1.66
Optical Character
Biaxial +
Physical Properties
- Crystal System
- monoclinic
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6.5
- Specific Gravity
- 3.15
- Cleavage
- Perfect in two directions
- Fracture
- Uneven to splintery
- Lustre
- Vitreous
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.66
- Birefringence
- 0.014-0.016
- Optical Character
- Biaxial +
- Dispersion
- 0.017
- Pleochroism
- strong: Pink / Violet/Purplish-pink / Near colorless (Strong trichroism; best color seen down c-axis; fades in prolonged light)
- Fluorescence
- Strong orange-pink (LWUV); notable phosphorescence
Characteristics
Colours
PinkLilacVioletColorless
Localities
AfghanistanBrazilMadagascarUSA (California)Pakistan
Common Inclusions
Growth tubesEtch tubesHealing cracksLiquid inclusionsMulti-phase inclusions
Known Treatments
Irradiation (to enhance colour)
Crystal Forms
prismpinacoid
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the monoclinic system
