Spodumene var. Kunzite

A magnificent, ex-matrix crystal of Kunzite, the lilac variety of Spodumene, from the Oceanview mine at Pala in San Diego County, California.  A superb and wonderfully coloured Spodumene crystal measuring 11.7 x 6.4 x 1.4 cm with a good asymmetric spear-shaped termination and diagonally cleaved-fractured base.  The Kunzite is of a vivid lilac and displays its characteristic trichroic properties superbly.  Trichroic implies three different colours based on the crystallographic axis  from which it is viewed.  The colour is most intense viewed down the vertical axis, where the plan view of the termination appears intense purple-lilac.  The crystal is almost entirely gemmy and displays deeply furrowed striations parallel to its long axis.  A fabulous, vividly coloured Kunzite from California.