Spodumene (variety Kunzite) - image 1

Spodumene (variety Kunzite)

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Spodumene crystal (variety kunzite) nicknamed by Fred Sickler the “Pala Princess”, 13.3 cm, collected around 1904 by Marion and Fred Sickler at the Vandenburg-Naylor mine, Hiriart Mountain, Pala District, San Diego County, California. Kunz himself proclaimed it to be “the finest [kunzite] gem material that has ever been found.”

Product details

SpeciesSpodumene, Kunzite
SizeCabinet
Dimensions13.3 cm
Added on02/13/2026
LocalityUSA, California, Hiriart Mountain
Publications
  • Mineralogical Record Mineral Collection University Of Delaware page 24
Current owner
The Mineralogical Museum, University of Delaware

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Spodumene
Mineral guide
Learn about Spodumene
kunzite, hiddenite, and triphane varieties; vivid colors and pleochroism, formed in granitic pegmatites, with gem and specimen appeal and fragility.
Spodumene
Regional guide
Spodumene from Hiriart Mountain
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Locality guide
Hiriart Mountain
Hiriart Mountain, USA - historic pegmatite locality and birthplace of kunzite; prized for pastel pink-to-lilac spodumene crystals and rare-element pockets.