Spodumene
Spodumene is a lithium aluminum pyroxene found in granite pegmatites. It forms flattened prismatic crystals with perfect prismatic cleavage, and its transparent gem varieties include pink-lilac kunzite and green hiddenite.
Spodumene properties at a glance
| Type | Silicate Minerals |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | LiAlSi2O6 |
| Mohs hardness | 6.75 |
| Crystal system | monoclinic |
| Luster | vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Cleavage | Perfect prismatic |
| Fracture | Uneven to subconchoidal |
| Specific gravity | 3.15 |
| Transparency | transparent |
| Common colors | Pink, Lilac, Green, Yellow, Colorless |
| Rarity | uncommon |
Geology & background
Spodumene is a lithium pyroxene that crystallizes in lithium-rich granite pegmatites, sometimes forming enormous prismatic crystals.
Long known as a pegmatite mineral, spodumene gained prominence when kunzite was described in the early 1900s and again in the modern era as a strategic source of lithium for rechargeable batteries.
How to identify Spodumene
- Look for flattened prismatic crystals with perfect prismatic cleavage and faint vertical striations.
- Pale pink-lilac or green transparent crystals from pegmatites are strong indicators of gem spodumene.
- Hardness near 6.5 to 7 and the pegmatite setting help separate it from softer pink minerals.
Where Spodumene is found
Spodumene occurs in lithium-rich granite pegmatites, with notable specimen and gem localities in the United States, Brazil, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Madagascar, and Australia.
How much is Spodumene worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $10 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $110 |
| Premium specimen | $800+ |
Value depends on color, transparency, crystal size and form, locality, and gem quality.
Common uses
- Lithium ore for batteries and ceramics
- Faceted gemstones such as kunzite and hiddenite
- Heat-resistant glass-ceramics
- Collector specimens
Interesting facts
- Spodumene is one of the most important ore minerals of lithium, used in batteries and ceramics.
- The pink to lilac gem variety is called kunzite and the green variety is called hiddenite.
- Some pegmatite crystals reach more than ten meters long, among the largest crystals of any mineral.
- Kunzite can fade with prolonged exposure to strong sunlight.
Care & safety
Spodumene is reasonably hard but has perfect cleavage, making it prone to splitting on impact.
Avoid inhaling dust. Do not cut, grind, or polish unknown specimens without eye protection and a proper respirator.
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