Spodumene
Image: Andrew Silver (Public domain)
Mineral NameSpodumene
Chemical FormulaLiAlSi₂O₆
Mohs Hardness6.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {110}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity3.1
Colorswhite, gray, colorless, pink, green, yellow
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityBrazil, Afghanistan, Pakistan, USA (North Carolina, California), Madagascar
Mineral Groupsilicates
Useslithium ore, gemstone, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, feldspar, beryl, tourmaline, lepidolite
Raritycommon
Description
This image features a large, elongated prismatic crystal of spodumene, appearing pale yellowish-white to colorless, with distinct striations and visible cleavage planes. A pen is placed alongside for scale, highlighting the specimen's considerable size.
Geological Context
Spodumene is a pyroxene mineral typically found in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites, where it crystallizes from late-stage magmatic fluids. It can also occur in aplites and gneisses, often associated with other rare-element minerals.
