Named after G.F. Kunz who first described this gem in 1902. Colors can become faded. Often found in large crystal. Working is difficult because of the perfect cleavage (sensitive to pressure). Occurs in pegmatites; main deposits are in Malagasy Republic , the US , Brazil and Burma. Because of strong pleochroism, table must be particular to main axis. Brown and green violet colors can be improved by heat-treatment

*Info by Walter Schumann “Gemstones of the World”