Spodumen

Spodumene, sometimes spelled spodumen, is a lithium aluminum inosilicate mineral with the formula LiAlSi2O6. It is a member of the pyroxene group and crystallizes in the monoclinic system. Spodumene is the most important single source of lithium, the element used in rechargeable batteries and other technologies.

The name derives from Greek spodios meaning ash-colored and lithos meaning stone, referring to its early dull, grayish appearance. Crystals are typically elongated and prismatic, though specimens can occur in massive or granular forms.

Color is highly variable due to trace elements. It can be colorless, yellow, green, blue, or pink to violet. The pink-to-violet variety kunzite and the green variety hiddenite are well known as gemstones. Spodumene has a hardness of 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity around 3.1–3.2.

Geologically, spodumene forms in granitic pegmatites and is commonly associated with quartz, feldspar, beryl, and tourmaline. Commercially, it is produced in several countries, with Australia as a major supplier of concentrates, and significant deposits in China, Canada, and the United States.

Ore processing involves crushing and concentration to produce spodumene concentrate, followed by roasting and chemical processing to extract lithium for use in lithium-ion batteries and other lithium products. Gem varieties are cut and sold as stones; kunzite and hiddenite are among the best known examples.