espodumena

Espodumena, known commonly as spodumene, is a lithium aluminum inosilicate mineral with the formula LiAl(SiO3)2. It is a member of the pyroxene group and crystallizes in the monoclinic system, typically forming elongated prismatic crystals in lithium-rich pegmatites. The mineral occurs in a range of colors due to trace elements, including green, yellow, pink, and lavender.

Color varieties include green spodumene (hiddenite when chromium is present) and pink to purple kunzite. Spodumene is pleochroic, often showing different colors in different crystallographic directions, which makes color and clarity important for gemstone use in some varieties.

Economy and uses: Spodumena is the principal source of lithium. The ore is processed to extract lithium compounds used in rechargeable batteries, ceramics, and glass. In its gem-quality form, kunzite and hiddenite are valued as gemstones; crystals are sometimes cut for jewelry.

Occurrence and geology: Spodumena forms mainly in lithium-rich pegmatites and is commonly associated with quartz, feldspar, lepidolite, petalite, and beryl. It is found in lithium-bearing deposits around the world, with major producers including Australia, Canada, China, and the United States, among others.