Description
The mineral spodumene is a clinopyroxene with the chemical formula LiAl(SiO3)2. Spodumene is an inosilicate composed of lithium, aluminum, and silicate. It ranges in color from colorless to many other colors. The colorless variety is called triphane, the pink to purple variety kunzite, and the emerald green variety of spodumene is known as hiddenite. Its crystal system is monoclinic, and the streak color is white. Its average density is 3.15, and its hardness is 6.5 to 7. Spodumene is neither radioactive nor magnetic. The name spodumene is derived from the Greek word spodoumenos, meaning "burning to ashes." This is due to the ash-gray appearance of the material made from it for industrial use. Depending on the color, there are two varieties: kunzite and hiddenite, named after their discoverers, G.F. Kunze and W.E. Hidden. Because spodumene contains lithium, it is a mineral that crystallizes late in magma. It is therefore often found in granitic pegmatites. The type locality is the Pala district in San Diego, California, USA.
