Specimens of kunzite, a variety of spodumene, offers a variety of uses. It is valuable to gem and mineral collectors for its purple and green coloring, and to ceramists for its refractory properties. Chemists use it as a source of lithium. While kunzite is plentiful, gem-quality specimens are rare and can be expensive. Localities include Madagascar and eastern Afghanistan. Some specimens change from green to pink when exposed to light.
NURISTAN, AFGHANISTAN
Spodumene is important to ...