Description
SPODUMENE SPECIMEN
This is the polished gray spodumene specimen. Dimensions: 2.0 x 1.8 x 1.2″ (5 x 4.5 x 3cm). Weight – 3.6oz (102 grams). Origin: Russia, Siberia.
Some information about spodumene:
Spodumene is a pyroxene mineral consisting of lithium aluminium inosilicate, LiAl(SiO3)2, and is a source of lithium. It occurs as colorless to yellowish, purplish, or lilac kunzite, yellowish-green or emerald-green hiddenite, prismatic crystals, often of great size.
The normal low-temperature form α-spodumene is in the monoclinic system whereas the high-temperature β-spodumene crystallizes in the tetragonal system. The normal α-spodumene converts to β-spodumene at temperatures above 900 °C. Crystals are typically heavily striated parallel to the principal axis. Crystal faces are often etched and pitted with triangular markings.
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, meaning “burnt to ashes,” owing to the opaque, ash-grey appearance of material refined for use in industry.
