Hiddenite, sometimes referred to as Lithia Emerald, is an emerald green gem variation of kunzite. Both are Lithium Aluminum Silicate, a type of spodumene mineral. Their difference in colors is produced only by slight variations in environment. Hiddenite was named in 1881 for its discoverer, William E Hidden. There is also a town named Hiddenite in North Carolina where the stone was first discovered.
Though exposure to gamma radiation will turn kunzite green like hiddenite, this is a temporary change. Once it is exposed to normal light, kunzite will turn back to its proper lilac. While both hiddenite and kunzite are difficult to cut and facet, of the two, hiddenite is more rare. A paler, yellow-green or yellowish spodumene is sometimes sold as hiddenite, but it is better classified as triphane.
In addition to many of the same properties associated with kunzite, hiddenite has a few of it’s own attributes. Its color should be taken into account of course (as with any stone you would use), but hiddenite also helps to stimulate the intellect as well as the loving side of one’s nature. Physically it assists the cleansing and digestive systems.