istic
of kunzite crystals is a peculiar etching, apparently effected with
solvents. A number of scientific tests have revealed in kunzite a
remarkable phosphorescence, not possessed by other varieties of
spodumene similarly tested, and its illuminant powers, excited by its
bombardment with Rontgen rays, and also by the proximity of a few
milligrammes of radium bromide, mark this mineral as unique and of
unusual interest to scientists, in addition to its value as a recruit
to the first rank of semiprecious stones.
In a description of experiments made upon kunzite Sir William Crookes writes:
But
the most interesting thing to me is the effect of radium on it. A few
milligrammes of radium bromide brought near the piece of kunzite makes
it glow with a fine yellowish light, which does not cease immediately
on removal of the radium, but persists for several seconds.
I
have found some diamonds phosphoresce brightly under the influence of
radium, and have been searching for a mineral which is equally
sensitive. I think this lilac variety of spodumene runs the diamond
very close, if it does not surpass it sometimes.
The luminosity of kunzite, in response to the artificial conditions already known to arouse it,
