Color : Pink-violet, light violet
Color of Streak : White
Mohs� hardness : 6-7 
Specific gravity : 3.16-3.20 
Cleavage : Perfect 
Crystal system : monoclinic 
Chemical composition : Lithium aluminium silicate
Refractive index : 1.655-1.680 

Named after G.F. Kunz who first described this gem in 1902. Often found in a large crystal. Working is difficult because of the perfect cleavage (sensitive to pressure). Occurs in pegmetites; main deposits are in Malagasy Republic, the US (California, Maine), Brazil and Burma. Brown and green-violet colors can be improved by heat-treatment. Can be confused with several pink stones, especially amethyst, beryl, topaz and colored glass.