Kunzite (Spodumene) - Kunar Valley Afghanistan

Contributed by: Daniel C. Montero
Date: May 6th, 2026
Locality: Dara-e-Pech pegmatite field, Dara-e-Pech District, Kunar, Afghanistan (See on Mindat)
Size: 4 x 7 cm

Description:
This is a spodumene var. kunzite on matrix from the Kunar Valley in Afghanistan.
It is shown under LW with an intense orange response that turns to lavender in MW and SW but it is perhaps its intense red phosphorescence which makes it really surprising.

Originally posted by Daniel C Montero on Nature's Rainbows in 2018.

Fluorescence under longwave UV light.

Fluorescence under midwave UV light.

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.

Afterglow after exposure to shortwave UV light.

Normal light.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Spodumene var. Kunzite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

• Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Orange
• Fluorescence under Midwave (305nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Violet
• Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Violet
• Afterglow after exposure to Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Red