What is the most common treatment for light-colored spodumene to achieve a kunzite color?

The most common treatment for light-colored spodumene to achieve a kunzite color is irradiation followed by careful heating. This process transforms the light-colored spodumene into the desired pink to violet hues characteristic of kunzite.

Irradiation involves exposing the spodumene to radiation, which alters its crystal structure and induces color changes. The heating step is then used to stabilize the color and enhance its intensity. This method is widely used because it effectively produces vibrant, stable colors that are highly sought after in the gemstone market.

The other options, while they may relate to treatments for various gemstones, do not specifically relate to how kunzite color is typically achieved in spodumene. Heating alone is not sufficient for achieving the distinct kunzite colors, and exposure to sunlight or general color enhancement does not describe established methods for treating spodumene to yield kunzite coloration.