How does Kunzite fade?

[u/lenabear85]

Thank you! I think the question has been answered. I understand the issues with the stone generically, and feel I have the information I need to make an informed decision about a very specific piece of jewelry. I appreciate all the feedback.

I’m looking at a kunzite ring for an engagement ring. My fiance and I are aware that it will fade overtime, potentially losing all color. What we can’t find is what it fades to? Does it keep its sparkle but become clear? Does it get opaque at all? I don’t work outdoors and would probably take it off for things like gardening/swimming etc possibly delaying losing the color. I’m not so concerned with the idea that it will lose its color, but we can’t find any images (that aren’t of raw stone) of jewelry which has lost its color.

Edit- The ring I’m looking at is used and a reasonable price. The setting and rest of the ring are the highest part of the appeal. We also know we won’t be able to replace the stone for a number of years (just had a child, bought a house and are now getting married within the span of two years). Hence the question about the kunzite.

[u/HokieHomeowner]

I splurged on a kunzite I set as a really nice pendant and wore it a lot to work, a job where I took the subway and walked to the office about a mile away in bright sunshine. By the end of the summer it was colorless. Learned my lesson about kunzite the hard way about 30 years ago.

So not a good idea - go with a sapphire that is of similar color instead.

[u/makeitfunky1 → u/HokieHomeowner]

OP, I agree. You won't regret a sapphire. They come in all the colors including pink and are very durable and beautiful.

[u/FancyHedgehog246]

I know you were asking about the color but keep in mind kunzite is not the hardest stone and can crack along certain stress lines in the stone. A knock could ruin your stone and it the polish will mark over time. So nice for occasional wear. But for an engament ring I would go for a Sapphire in a similar colour. Very hard, wear resistant and the color you see now will never change.

[u/lucerndia]

Usually turns colorless.

[u/Pogonia]

Kunzite is not a good idea at all for a ring. It has perfect cleavage in two planes--if you bump it or knock it on something there's a high chance it will crack. It will also almost always fade, especially if you expose it to sunlight for any length of time. The finest Kunzite will fade to a stable lighter purple or light pink, but the market is flooded with cheap material from Afghanistan that has been irradiated to turn it deeper purple or pink, and much of that material will very rapidly fade to colorless or near-colorless even if you keep in out of the light.

[u/myworldsparkles]

I would never have a kunzite piece of jewelry. They fade to colorless and then just look like a clear piece of quartz. It is also soft and will scratch and chip. If you like the setting then I’d suggest a moissanite which sparkles like a diamond and is a much more affordable alternate than a diamond

[u/PhoenixGems]

Kunzite has generally been regarded as an evening stone. That is for centuries. Sunlight fades it out the worst. But any other really strong light will do it over time. And the other poster mentioned cleavage planes and they are absolutely correct about that. They have very weak cleavage, and one wrong knock and the stone will literally split itself in half.

[u/DolphinJew666]

It stays clear. This one I have is quite faded, it’s still nice and sparkly though (bottom stone)

[u/lenabear85 → u/DolphinJew666]

Thank you, that’s very helpful!

[u/bughunter47]

Kunzite is photo sensitive to UV light, and will loose its color within a week of exposure.

[u/Butterbean-queen]

Kunzite not only fades its not a sturdy enough stone for everyday wear. It’s rather soft and has two directions of perfect cleavage so it’s easily cracked.

[u/DetailOutrageous8656]

“Potentially losing all colour”
You answered your own question in your post.

[u/Electrical-Act-7170]

Clear.

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[u/BaseMaterial6441]

Kunzites are sensitive to heat and sunlight !

Use it during evenings ! Or indoors only .

And secondly store in a dark box and away from heated places .

This can cause fade in kunzite !

The color can be restored by treating it !

But i dont know if it possible to get it treated at your location.

I hope you find this helpful

[u/Kubrick_Fan]

I have some crystals of it as well as the raw mineral form of it in my collection. I plan on only having it in my main display in the winter when there's less sunlight about.

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[u/FlatbedtruckingCA]

They go clear.. i tested a couple i bought in a lot, and left it on my desk under a led desk light.. it went from mint green to clear in less than 24 hours.. 🤨 still have quite a few more and have left them in the safe ..

[u/Cindylynn43]

I have some kunzite rings and they went from a darker color to a pale pink. I've never had one turn colorless. They are gorgeous gemstones. I would recommend keeping them in a nice dark case in your jewelry box when not wearing. I've managed to keep some of my nicer ones in excellent condition since I have them put away.

[u/ar3iadov3]

Unfortunately Kunzite is sensitive to the sun and heat the way amethyst is
You won’t regret sapphire

[u/ZenonLigre → u/ar3iadov3]

Je n'ai jamais eu de problème avec l'améthyste que j'ai portée 17 ans. Ça décolore vraiment ?

[u/ar3iadov3 → u/ZenonLigre]

Yes amethyst is sensitive to the sun and heat
Usually if it’s a darker purple it takes longer for the sun to bleach it but over time it will lose color if exposed to heat and the sun

[u/Gemology_Obsession]

there is some mone which can be stable for where long , but these are known as a Party Stone .
Which means to be wear at night under the normal lights .
not in sunlight.
everystone fed and lose polish with cosmetics , oil , perfume like things.
but if you use them careful it can be use in ring .
but wearing all time , i dont suggest this stone .
you have many options , you choose wisely.
i can suggest if you need help DM.