Spodumene (31.77g)

specimen number:
2262210

location:
Nuristan, Afghanistan

description:
An attractive gemmy double terminated pinkish purple crystal of spodumene, is the variety known as kunzite. In great condition all around. Fluorescent under longwave ultraviolet light.

The Nuristan Province in northeastern Afghanistan is a globally significant source of gem-quality spodumene, particularly the pink variety known as kunzite. Geologically, these specimens occur within highly fractionated, complex granitic pegmatites of Cretaceous to Paleogene age that intruded into Precambrian metamorphic host rocks. The kunzite is found inside giant pockets or hydrothermal cavities within the core zones of these pegmatites, where the presence of trace amounts of manganese imparts the highly desirable lilac-to-pink coloration. Historically, while the region has a long history of small-scale mining for lapis lazuli and other gems, systematic mining and quarrying specifically for spodumene and kunzite began in the early 1970s and experienced a massive expansion during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Operations in rugged districts like Nilaw-Kulam and Mawi have remained active through 2026, relying primarily on artisanal, non-mechanized underground tunneling techniques due to the steep, inaccessible alpine terrain. Nuristan kunzite is highly prized by international collectors and gemologists for its exceptional crystal size, sharp geometric habits, and intense color saturation, making it a benchmark modern locality for the species.

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