Which gem may fade quickly in direct sunlight?

Which gem may fade quickly in direct sunlight?

• A. Opal
• B. Tanzanite
• C. Aquamarine
• D. Kunzite

Answer: (D)

Light-induced color fading is a key factor in gemstone color stability. Kunzite, a pink variety of spodumene colored by manganese, is especially sensitive to light. The color centers that give Kunzite its hue are easily bleached by UV light, so direct sunlight can rapidly fade its pink color. That makes Kunzite the best answer for fading quickly in direct sunlight. The other stones have different stability profiles: opal can be affected by dehydration and handling, aquamarine colors are generally more stable in sunlight, and tanzanite can change with prolonged exposure but not to the same rapid extent as Kunzite.

Light-induced color fading is a key factor in gemstone color stability. Kunzite, a pink variety of spodumene colored by manganese, is especially sensitive to light. The color centers that give Kunzite its hue are easily bleached by UV light, so direct sunlight can rapidly fade its pink color. That makes Kunzite the best answer for fading quickly in direct sunlight. The other stones have different stability profiles: opal can be affected by dehydration and handling, aquamarine colors are generally more stable in sunlight, and tanzanite can change with prolonged exposure but not to the same rapid extent as Kunzite.