Spodumene

Spodumene is a pyroxene mineral consisting of lithium aluminum inosilicate (LiAl(SiO3)2) and is a source of lithium. It is a transparent to translucent mineral that occurs in a variety of colors, including white, gray, green, pink, yellow, and purple.

History and Origin

Spodumene was first discovered in the 19th century in the Pala district of San Diego County, California. It was named by the Brazilian scientist José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva in 1800, and the name comes from the Greek word spodumenos, which means "burnt to ashes".

Varieties and Ranking

Spodumene has two varieties: Kunzite and Hiddenite. Kunzite is a pink to violet variety of spodumene, while Hiddenite is a green variety. Kunzite is more common than Hiddenite and is often used in jewelry. The varieties of spodumene are ranked as follows:

1. Kunzite
2. Hiddenite
3. Yellow/Green Spodumene
4. Triphane

Rare Color

The rarest color of spodumene is Green due to chromium, which is known as Hiddenite mine form on USA,

Physical Properties

• Hardness: 6.5 - 7
• Specific Gravity: 3.12 - 3.19
• Luster: Vitreous
• Transparency: Transparent to translucent
• Cleavage: Perfect in two directions
• Fracture: Uneven to subconchoidal
• Streak: White
• Tenacity: Brittle

Optical Properties

• Refractive Index: 1.660 - 1.680
• Birefringence: 0.008 - 0.012
• Pleochroism: Strong
• Dispersion: 0.017
• Optical Character: Biaxial positive

Elementary Analysis

• Lithium: 8.03%
• Aluminum: 19.65%
• Silicon: 26.44%
• Oxygen: 45.88%

Uses

Spodumene is the primary source of lithium, which is used in batteries, ceramics, glass, and other industrial applications. Kunzite and Hiddenite are popular gemstones and are used in jewelry.