How Much is Kunzite Worth (spodumene)

High-quality kunzite is very affordable in sizes ranging from 0.50 – 1 carat and the cost per carat is between $15.00 to $25.00 per carat, 1-3 carat sized stones are priced between $25.00 to $35.00 per carat, and larger stones, which are on the rare side, are priced at $50.00 to $100.00 per carat. Kunzite sourced from Afghanistan and Minas Gerais, Brazil is regarded as the best in the world due to its high saturation and pink hue.

Kunzite comes in a range of tones and saturations but it is always pink. The darker the tone and higher the saturation the higher the cost per carat. Extremely large stones bring a higher price per carat because of their rarity.

The main sources of high-quality kunzite come from North Carolina, Afghanistan, Brazil, and Madagascar.

 

 

 

How to determine value and cost

When determining the value of the gemstone you will be using GIA guidelines which means color, clarity, carat weight and cut.  You’ll want to look at each one of these individually and then circle back when finished to evaluate the stone as a whole. If you need help identifying kunzite then go here first.

Color is going to be the most important factor when determining the value of gemstones.  Clarity and carat weight are tied for the second most important factor.

 

Color – The more intense the color the more valuable the stone is.  When dealing with warm colors, think of red and orange, you’ll want to determine if there are brown undertones.  If you can’t see brown undertones then the color should be very vibrant.  The more vibrant and saturated the color the more expensive the gemstone.  If the gemstone has a unique “neon-like glow” then it will demand the highest price per carat.

Kunzite comes in multiple shades of pink. The highest valued kunzite has a pink hue, medium tone, and moderately strong to strong saturation. Depending on where the material is sourced will dictate what shade of pink the material displays and how strong the saturation will be.

 

Clarity – Buyers, and collectors prefer stones with no internal inclusions visible to the eye. Amethyst can be found with visible inclusions all the way to flawless.  To determine the clarity ranking you’ll need at a minimum a 10x loop and a higher-powered microscope to confirm internally flawless and flawless designations.

If you can visibly see the inclusion while holding the gemstone then the highest designation would be SI1 and if the inclusion detracts from the overall beauty of the stone then the clarity designation would be I1 – I3.

Clarity designations – FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2, I3

 

 

Carat – Kunzite can be found in sizes ranging from below 1 carat to above 10 carats.  Generally speaking, kunzite can be sourced in any carat weight and most gem dealers have the size and shape you’re looking for. The larger the stones with high-quality ratings can bring a higher price per carat due to their rarity.

 

Cut – It is sad to say but cut has the least impact on value and cost unless it affects the stone in an extreme way.  For example, when you look at the stone you would be able to see through it which means light is not being reflected back to the eye.  This is called a window in the stone and it would have to be quite large to impact the price.  The other extreme would occur when you look at a stone and see a rough circle or oval shape inside the stone.  This occurs when the stone is very shallow and it’s reflecting the rough girdle inside the stone.  Note: the girdle is the edge/side of the stone where the pavilion and crown meet.

 

 

 

Kunzite Colors by Value

Light Colored Kunzite price per carat = $10.00 – $20.00

• Large sizes are common
• Mostly found in inexpensive jewelry

 

Medium Colored Kunzite price per carat = $20.00 – $65.00

• Common in all sizes
• Medium apple green color or yellowish-green color

 

Dark Colored Kunzite (moderate saturation) price per carat = $75.00 – $150.00

• Small to medium-sized stones are common
• Larger stones will bring a premium

 

Kunzite Crystal Specimens = $100 – $1,000.00+

• Fairly rare due to low commercial availability and high demand
• Highly sought after by rockhounds and crystal collectors
• Single crystals as well as crystals on matrix

 

How valuable is kunzite?

Kunzite can bring a moderate price per carat if it meets the quality and color criteria (VS or better in clarity, deep pink color with moderate saturation). If you’re looking to add kunzite to your collection then you should focus on stones with these characteristics.

 

Values of kunzite will continue to increase

Each year I do research on market prices for kunzite and I can tell you the prices for lighter-colored stones are fairly constant but the price for darker pink with high saturation slowly rises each year due to its rarity.

If you’re not sure how to value a gemstone then you should consider a gemstone appraisal. Individuals acquiring gemstones through inheritance, estate sales, and auctions typically have the gemstone appraised to determine the value and to ensure the gem is what they think it is.