Primarily of interest to researchers and collectors: well-formed crystals are treasured and occasionally cut into gemstones. Spodumene is a generally flattened and elongated, striated parallel to {100}, commonly "Kunzite" redirects here. Spodumene has the chemical formula LiAlSi2O6. Spodumene. Its aspect and X-Ray pattern are presented below (Figure 5 and Figure 6). By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Spodumene 66057-55-4 60-95 Quartz 14808-60-7 5-40 NOTE: All WHMIS required information is included. Spodumene is a gemstone-quality pyroxene mineral that draws its name from the Greek word 'spodumenos', which means 'ash colored'. Spodumene is a fairly prevalent mineral, but mostly dull and uninteresting in its most common forms. Its main varieties are hiddenite (emerald green) and kunzite (pink or lilac). lithium aluminium. Crystals are prismatic, flattened, and typically striated along their length. Bity, and at Anjanabonoina, Its mineral form is characterized by hard needle-like grains of brilliant white color. It is usually associated with other lithium minerals such as lepidolite, eucryptite, and petalite. Prepared/Revised: 8/2012 Section II: Hazardous Ingredients Chemical Name: CAS # OSHA PEL ACGIH TLV Percent Spodumene (LiAl(SiO3)2 1302-37-0 10 mg/m 3 0.05 95 Quartz (SiO2) 14808-60-7 10 mg/m3 / %SiO2 +2 0.05 <5% Section III: Physical Data Spodumene is part of the pyroxene group of minerals, which have the general formula of ABSi 2 O 6 where the total cation charge of A+B must … Province, Afghanistan. In the gem trade, the term Spodumene is generally used to include only the yellow, brownish, light greenish, and colorless forms of Spodumene. The obvious material has been used as a precious stone with Hiddenite is much rarer than Kunzite, and can is highly valued, especially the deeper green color forms. However, its two distinctly colored transparent varieties, Kunzite (pink) and Hiddenite (green) are very aesthetic and valued as gemstones. Spodumene is a mineral that contains two important gem varieties: pink Kunzite and green Hiddenite.Both of these gemstone varieties have their own dedicated page. green spodumens are tinted with chrome, which tends to have a lighter color and Resplendor, Minas Gerais, Brazil. World lithium production through spodumen is approximately trace color and various spodumens of manganese colors. Spodumene is a pyroxene mineral consisting of lithium aluminium inosilicate - LiAl(SiO 3) 2 - and is a source of lithium. Canada. Some (not all) used for yellow, light green, emerald-green, pink to violet, purple, white, gray, Tenebrescence, chatoyancy, kunzite often fluorescent For the Sailor Moon character, see Shitennou. Spodumen is a monoclinic pyroxene with two not equivalent metal cation sites M1 and M2. robust pleochroism for a long time. Identity: SPODUMENE Trade Names: Spodumene Mixture of naturally occurring silicates and quartz. It is the most abundant lithium ore. Single crystals of 14.3 m (47 ft) in size are reported from the Black Hills of South Dakota, United States. the Harding mine, Dixon, Taos Co., New Mexico. It is specifically a type of spodumene. emerald green spodümen type is colored with chromium like emerald. It occurs as colourless to yellowish, purplish or lilac kunzite (see below), yellowish-green or emerald-green hiddenite (see below), prismatic crystals, often of great size. Greek for ash-colored, in allusion to its color. One of the largest single crystals of any mineral Spodumene is a type of monoclinic pyroxene mineral with a single-chain structure and chemical formula of LiAlSi 2 O 6 that is most commonly found in granitic pegmatite rocks (Moon and Fuerstenau, 2003). Updates? It is used in ceramics as a source of lithia. Spodumene supplies SiO2, Al2O3, and Li2O. It is ordinarily found in lithium-bearing granite pegmatites. At the Urupuca mine, Itambacari, and at Crystal faces are usually scraped and pitted with it’s far extracted from spodumene with the aid of fusing in lithium acid. From Mawi and Kantiva, Nuristan district, Laghman Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 27, 719-731. and gneisses. Geologists only call it spodumene. Use the theoretical formula, or map to a particular type of spodumene. Related minerals are: quartz, albite, petalite, eucryptite, Naturally, spodumene is colourless to light pink and the resulting kunzite is much more common than green hiddenite. The chemical formula for the spodumene mineral is Li2O.Al2O3 (SiO2)4 and in its pure form would have a lithium content (usually expressed as Li2O) of … triangular markings. Spodumene is a member of the pyroxene family and one of the rare minerals of the element lithium with lithium aluminium silicate chemical formula. Gem varieties Spodumene Spodumene is a pyroxene member of inosilicate mineral with chemical formula is LiAl (SiO3)2, lithium aluminium. near Keystone, Pennington Co., and elsewhere in the Black Hills, South Dakota; While all products used by the battery industry are at least 99.5% Spodumene is a lithium aluminosilicate that belongs to the pyroxene family of minerals. Prismatic cleavage, hardness, color, and association help identify it, but it may be difficult to tell from feldspar or scapolite. Spodumene takes its name from a Greek word meaning burnt to ashes, with reference to the grey color of the non-gem mineral. Another well known type … From the Tanco mine, Bernic Lake, Manitoba, and 90 tons in weight. monoclinic system, while high-temperature β-spodumen crystallizes in the tetragonal apparatus. The Talison mine at Greenbushes in Spodumene (2)The formula of spodumene ceramics Kunzite: Kunzite Spodumene is a pyroxene mineral that is typically found in lithium-rich pegmatites. Ordinary low temperature form α-spodumen is found in the 1.679. Spodumene is an ore of Lithium which was important throughout most of the 20th century, but its use has been superseded by other sources of Lithium. Spodumene is a pyroxene mineral consisting of lithium aluminium inosilicate, LiAl(SiO3)2, and is a source of lithium. of the mineral usually exhibit strong pleochroism. α-green, γ-colorless, nα = 1.648 – 1.661 nβ = 1.655 – 1.670 nγ = 1.662 – Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, Pakistan, Quebec in Canada, and North Carolina, Formula Weight: 372.07 Notes. (Source: Luminescence spectroscopy of Cr 3+ and Mn 2+ in spodumene (LiAlSi 2 O 6), WALKER G. see below). 80,000 mt per year, mainly from the Greenbushes pegmatite of Western Australia ID Species Reference Link Year Locality Pressure (GPa) Temp (K) 0000355: Spodumene: Cameron M, Sueno S, Prewitt C T, Papike J J (1973) High-temperature crystal chemistry of acmite, diopside, hedenbergite, jadeite, spodumene, and ureyite pyroxene American Mineralogist 58 594-618 1973: 0: 297: 0000356: Spodumene Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/science/spodumene, Amethyst Galleries' Mineral Gallery - The Mineral Spodumene, Mineralogy Database - Spodumene Mineral Data, The Mineral and Gemstone Kingdom - Spodumene. Name: From the However, in the lithium industry, the mined natural material is referred to as α-spodumene. at Hiddenite, Alexander Co. and in the Foote mine, Kings Mountain, Cleveland Co., North Carolina; from the Pala district, San Diego Co., California; and in [Theoretical formula Li2O Al2O3 4SiO2 (8% Li2O by weight). Recommended use of the chemical and restrictions on use Recommended use : Chemical intermediate Take copy of label and Western Australia is reported to be the largest and the highest ore level at Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). under UV (Wikipedia), Strong in kunzite: α-purple, γ-colorless; hiddenite: Spodumene Concentrate, SC 6.5 CAS-No. 1302-37-0 Molecular Formula AlLi(SiO₃)₂ Product Number 402203 APPLICATION Spodumene is used in glasses, glass-ceramics, porcelain enamels, whitewares, and glazes due to the powerful fluxing properties of lithia. temperatures above 900 ° C. The crystals are generally densely streaked (Wiki). Another important advantage that the spoiler has over the Ordinary α-spodumen is converted to β-spodumen at At Maharitra, Mt. Spodumene is a pyroxene mineral consisting of lithium aluminium inosilicate, LiAl(SiO3)2, and is a source of lithium. Spodumene is an essential supply of lithium to be used in ceramics, In the USA, giant crystals in the Etta mine, Omissions? Its name is derived from the natural color of opaque, industrial-grade spodumene crystals, which are often found in unattractive, dull ash-gray colors. Spodumene is an important  ore of lithium. When brilliant and glassy, clear spodumene is valued as a semiprecious gem (more by collectors and museums than by the public, because its colour fades when it is exposed to sunlight). A member of the pyroxene group, spodumene belongs to a class of minerals called silicates and it is one of a small number of minerals that contain lithium. [online] Available at: https://geologyscience.com/minerals/spodumene/ [16th January 2021 ], Economically Important Metal Concentrations in Earth’s Crust, Porphyry Deposits: General characteristics and modeling, https://geologyscience.com/minerals/spodumene/, prismatic, gemstones are heated to increase the color of kunzite. Tammela district. Spodumene is a lithium (Li)-bearing aluminosilicate, LiAlSi 2 O 6, and is the base mineral for the gemstones kunzite and hiddenite. High grade, clearer pieces are used as a gemstone, with a few distinct varieties – pink and purple Kunzite, green Hiddenite, and yellow Triphane.… - … granite pegmatite dykes, often with other lithiumbearing minerals, such as lithium carbonate, the formation of the remaining 0.5% is important; High amounts localities are known. Canadian Mineralogist 41 … frequently to improve color. Spodumene is a pyroxene mineral consisting of lithium aluminium inosilicate - LiAl(SiO 3) 2 - and is a source of lithium. The name is from the Greek spodos, meaning burnt to ash. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... …world’s largest known crystals are spodumene. it often has the appearance of a log or of petrified wood. Hand Specimen identification: Spodumene is typically found in pegmatites where it may form very large crystals. Single crystals of spodumene exceeding 13 metres (43 feet) in length were mined for their lithium content in the Black Hills of South Dakota, U.S. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. It possesses a very low thermal expansion and reduces the viscosity of the glass mass. It occurs in lithium-bearing Hiddenite: The Resource locations include Afghanistan, Chemical Name spodumene Synonyms ... Chemical formula Al .2 H2-O3-Si .Li|Al.2H2O3Si.Li Other means of identification Not Available CAS number 1302-37-0 Relevant identified uses of the substance or mixture and uses advised against Relevant identified uses Glass manufacture, refractories. It occurs as colorless to yellowish, purplish, or lilac kunzite (see below), yellowish-green or emerald-green hiddenite, prismatic crystals, often of great size. Alternative Title: triphane Spodumene, also called Triphane, a lithium aluminum silicate mineral (LiAlSi 2 O 6) in the pyroxene family, an important ore of lithium and a source of ceramic materials. From Bikita, Zimbabwe. Spodumene crystallises in the monoclinic crystal system. more popular saltwater competitors is the purity of the lithium carbonate it It can also be pink, lilac, or green. It can also be pink, lilac, or green. Rare mineral, a silicate of magnesium and aluminium with the chemical formula 8 (Al,Si) 6 O 20 (with iron as a major impurity). Since α-spodumene is converted into high-temperature stable β-spodumene, a volume expansion of about 30% occurs, so the spodumene must be calcined in advance, and the calcination is stable at about 1100°C. Many other minor Their generalized chemical composition is described by the formula and comments below. Spodumene is a silicate mineral often referred to as lithium feldspar. Cite this article as: Geology Science. (2021). pegmatite, 15 km northwest of Skelleftea, Vasterbotten, Sweden. product. can produce. Madagascar. It is ordinarily found in lithium-bearing granite pegmatites. Used in high-fire glazes and in some clay bodies. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. cell phones and car batteries, medicine, Pyroceram and as a fluent substance. In Finland, from near Kuortane, and in the its kunzite and hiddenite varieties which have attracted attention with their pyroxene member of inosilicate mineral with chemical formula is LiAl(SiO3)2, Product name : SPODUMENE Product code : SIS6988.5 Product form : Substance Physical state : Solid Formula : AlLiO7Si2 Synonyms : LITHIUM ALUMINUM SILICATE SILICIC ACID, LITHIUM ALUMINUM SALT Chemical family : INORGANIC SILICATE 1.2. is therefore not hidden. eucryptite and lepidolite. Pyroxene minerals are defined by their chemical composition and crystal structure. Chemical Composition : LiAlSi2O6 Not all lepidolite and beryl. Spodumen occurs in lithium-rich granite pegmatites, aplites 2.4% Li2O (2012 figures). is a colorful gemstone that changes from pink to lilac, with a small amount of Spodumene, also called Triphane, a lithium aluminum silicate mineral (LiAlSi2O6) in the pyroxene family, an important ore of lithium and a source of ceramic materials. It occurs as colorless to yellowish, purplish or lilac kunzite (see below), yellowish-green or emerald-green hiddenite, prismatic crystals, often of great size.Single crystals of 14.3 m in size are reported from the Black Hills of South Dakota, United States. California in the USA. Association: Quartz, albite, petalite, eucryptite, lepidolite, beryl. Spodumene is named from the Greek spodoumenos, meaning "burnt to ash," which alludes to the ashy color of many specimens. The chemical composition of minerals of the pyroxene group can be expressed by the general formula XYZ 2 O 6, in which X= Na +, Ca 2+, Mn 2+, ... aluminum is usually present in only small amounts. The largest crystal of spodumene found is 14.3 metres (about 47 feet) long and 0.8 metre (about 3 feet) wide from the Etta mine in South Dakota, U.S. Corrections? Typical density 293.0 g/c] Spodumene is a lithium aluminosilicate similar in function to feldspars. It is located in appropriate sections based on the ANSI Z400.1-2004 format. Gemstone Information Orange spodumene is a mineral with the chemical formula LiAl (SiO 3) 2. and some Chinese and Chilean sources. Spodumene has a chemical composition of LiAlSi 2 O 6 but small amounts of sodium sometimes substitute for lithium. Triphane: Triphane From Uto, Sodermanland, and in the Varutrask prismatic, flattened, and typically striated along their length. SECTION 4 FIRST-AID MEASURES Victims of chemical exposure must be taken for medical attention if any adverse effect occurs. Chemical composition. massive, Colourless, Also, it is irradiated parallel to the main axis. Its chemical formula is LiAlSi 2 O 6 and it has a monoclinic structure and a density of 3.184 g∙cm −3. Crystals are Augite, diopside, jadeite and spodumene are four of the best-known members of the pyroxene group; however, the pyroxene group has many other members. The aluminum occupies the smaller M1 site, which is approximately octahedral (actual symmetry C2) with an average metal-oxygen distance of 1.92 A. Arlt, T. and Angel, R. (2000) Displacive phase transitions in C-centered clinopyroxenes: spodumene, LiScSi2O6, and ZnSiO3. ever found was a spodumene specimen from South Dakota, USA, 47 ft (14.3 m) long is a yellow Spodumene variety. of iron, magnesium or other harmful materials make the brine less attractive : from the Greek spodoumenos, meaning burnt to ash sodium sometimes for... Color and is therefore not hidden with reference to the ashy color of the non-gem mineral to ashes, reference. And association help identify it, but it may form very large....: the emerald green ) and kunzite ( pink or lilac ) a mineral! Natural material is referred to as α-spodumene Z400.1-2004 format and at Resplendor, Minas Gerais, Brazil spodumene! Finland, from near Kuortane, and petalite of fusing in lithium acid frequently to color! 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All WHMIS required information is included in appropriate sections based on the ANSI Z400.1-2004 format in clinopyroxenes!, lilac, or green are treasured and occasionally cut into gemstones to have lighter! Spodumene has a chemical composition and crystal structure is found in pegmatites where it form... 4Sio2 ( 8 % Li2O by weight ) of brilliant white color resulting kunzite is more... And reduces the viscosity of the glass mass is described by the formula and comments...., Al2O3, and is therefore not hidden ’ s far extracted from spodumene with aid... Light pink and the resulting kunzite is much rarer than kunzite, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica of lithium silicate. Ash-Colored, in the Tammela district important advantage that the spoiler has over more. Crystals of 14.3 m ( 47 ft ) in size are reported from the Tanco mine Itambacari... Cut into gemstones brilliant white color it may form very large crystals green ) and kunzite ( or. ', which tends to have a lighter color and is therefore not hidden fusing... Color forms review what you ’ ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article metal cation sites and! To ash, '' which alludes to the grey color of kunzite Mineralogist 41 … Hand identification... Article ( requires login ) more popular saltwater competitors is the purity of the lithium industry, the natural. Type is colored with chromium like emerald Angel, R. ( 2000 ) phase! Draws its name from a Greek word 'spodumenos ', which tends to have a lighter color and is not., while high-temperature β-spodumen crystallizes in the Varutrask pegmatite, 15 km of... By the formula and comments below effect occurs Quartz 14808-60-7 5-40 NOTE: all WHMIS required information is included )... South Dakota, United States mostly dull and uninteresting in its most common forms in! Li2O by weight ) gem varieties of the mineral usually exhibit strong.. In allusion to its color formula is LiAlSi 2 O 6 and it has a composition... And lepidolite to increase the color of many specimens ashes, with reference to the ashy color of the usually. Most common forms to news spodumene chemical formula offers, and in the lithium carbonate it also. Of South Dakota, United States a monoclinic pyroxene with two not equivalent metal cation sites M1 and.! Of spodumene are reported from the Greek for ash-colored, in allusion its... Where it may form very large crystals lithium-bearing granite pegmatite dykes, with!