Spodumene
A variety of Clinopyroxene Subgroup
What is Spodumene?
Most varieties of spodumene are uninteresting and dull, except Kunzite (pink) and Hiddenite (green) which are highly valued in the gemstone market. The colors of this transparent mineral change when viewed from different angles. Its crystals can grow exceptionally large - the largest specimen recorded was measured 13 m. It is an important source of lithium and ceramic materials.
Uses & Applications
Spodumene is used as a lithium source for commercial applications such as ceramics and ceramic glass, mobile phone and car batteries. It also appears in beautiful crystal structures as the rare gemstones hiddenite, kunzite, and triphane.
Healing Properties
Spodumene is believed to help restore vitality and enthusiasm while cleansing the body of lingering negative energy. It can be used on an individual's person or in the home, wherever spiritual cleansing is needed. While it aligns all of the chakras, many believe that the yellow version of the stone stimulates the Solar Plexus chakra while the clear and white stones work with the Crown, Higher Crown, and Solar Star Chakras.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.657-1.681
- Birefringence
- 0.014-0.016
- Pleochroism
- Yellow stones - distinct: very light yellow, yellow, deep yellow
- Optical Character
- Biaxial positive
- Dispersion
- 0.017
Spodumene Market Value Calculator
Estimate the market value of Spodumene using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.
Spodumene Localities Map
See where Spodumene is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
The Meaning
Spodumene is not a traditional birthstone, but considered a natural birthstone for those born in early summer from June 21st through July 21st.
Associated Chakras
Key Characteristics
Rock Types of Spodumene
Hiddenite Hiddenite is a pale, emerald-green gem variety first reported from Alexander County, North Carolina, US. It was named in honor of William Earl Hidden (16 February 1853 - 12 June 1918), mining engineer, mineral collector, and mineral dealer. This emerald green variety of spodumene is colored by chromium, just like emeralds. Not all green spodumene is colored with chromium, which tend to have a lighter color, and therefore are not true hiddenite. Kunzite Kunzite is a pink to lilac colored gemstone, a variety of spodumene with the color coming from minor to trace amounts of manganese. Some (but not all) kunzite used for gemstones has been heated to enhance its color. It is also frequently irradiated to enhance the color. Kunzite was discovered in 1902, and was named after George Frederick Kunz, Tiffany & Co's chief jeweler at the time, and a noted mineralogist. It has been found in Brazil, US, Canada, CIS, Mexico, Sweden, Western Australia, Afghanistan and Pakistan. One notable example of kunzite used in jewellery is in the Russian Palmette tiara and necklace worn by the Duchess of Gloucester. Triphane Triphane is a synonym of spodumene, but also used for colourless or yellowish varieties.
Formation of Spodumene
Spodumene was first described in 1800 for an occurrence in the type locality in Utö, Södermanland, Sweden. It was discovered by Brazilian naturalist Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva. The name is derived from the Greek spodumenos (σποδούμενος), meaning "burnt to ashes," owing to the opaque, ash-grey appearance of material refined for use in industry. Spodumene occurs in lithium-rich granite pegmatites and aplites. Associated minerals include: quartz, albite, petalite, eucryptite, lepidolite and beryl. Transparent material has long been used as a gemstone with varieties kunzite and hiddenite noted for their strong pleochroism. Source localities include Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, Pakistan, Québec in Canada and North Carolina, California in the US.
More Images
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colourless, yellow, light green, emerald-green, pink to violet, purple, white, gray
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6.5 - 7
- Density
- 3.184 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous, Dull
- Crystal System
- Monoclinic
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- LiAlSi2O6
- Elements
- Al, Li, O, Si
Also Known As
Identify Spodumene Instantly
- Snap a photo, get instant results
- 6,700+ rocks, minerals & crystals
- Discover collecting spots near you
