spodumene
Spodumene, a remarkable gemstone known for its distinctive prismatic crystals, derives its name from the Greek word "spodumenos," which means "burnt to ashes." Composed of lithium aluminium inosilicate, spodumene occurs in a range of colours, including green, pink, and the sought-after violet variety known as kunzite.
Spodumene's geological origins are closely tied to lithium-rich granite pegmatites, where it forms as elongated crystals. Notable sources include Afghanistan, Brazil, and the United States.
What distinguishes spodumene is its notable dichroism, meaning it displays different colours when viewed from different angles. Kunzite, the pink to violet variety, is particularly prized for its delicate hue.
One fascinating fact about spodumene is its significance in the production of lithium, a vital component in batteries for electronic devices and electric vehicles. Beyond its industrial importance, spodumene's aesthetic appeal and unique optical properties continue to make it a cherished gemstone among collectors and gem enthusiasts alike.
Click on the terms in the table below to discover their meaning
Click on the terms in the table below to discover their meaning
| Name | Spodumene |
|---|---|
| Category |
Inosilicate |
| Chemical Formula |
LiAl |
| IMA Symbol | Spd |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic |
| Crystal Habit | Prismatic, typically flattened and striated; commonly massive |
| Twinning | Common |
| Cleavage | Good |
| Fracture | Subconchoidal to uneven |
| Tenacity | Brittle |
| Hardness (Moh's Scale) |
6.5 - 7 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.03 - 3.23 |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent to translucent |
| Colour | Colourless, greenish white, greyish white, yellowish green, emerald-green, yellow, pink, violet, may be bicoloured |
| Streak | White |
| Lustre | Vitreous; pearly on cleavages |
| Optical Class | Biaxial (+) |
| Refractive index | nα = 1.648 - 1.663 |
| nβ = 1.655 - 1.669 | |
| nγ = 1.662 - 1.679 | |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.014 - 0.018 |
| Dispersion | Rd = 0.017 |
| Pleochroism | X = purple to green; Z = colourless |
| Clarity | Type I |
| Notable Varieties | Kunzite, Hiddenite, Triphane |
References
Hudson Institute of Mineralogy. (2023). Spodumene. Retrieved from Mindat.org: https://
Mineralogical Society of America. (2001). Spodumene. In J. W. Anthony, R. A. Bideaux, K. W. Bladh, & M. C. Nichols (Eds.), Handbook of Mineralogy. Chantilly, VA 20151-1110, USA: Mineralogical Society of America. Retrieved from https://
