Natural Spodumenes Overview
Spodumene is a young gem, it has been known as a mineral for long time, but as a gemstone was discovered in 1877 only.
Spodumene (silicate of lithium and aluminium) is a lithium-rich member of the monoclinic pyroxene group, similar to jadeite. Its name basically means 'ashen', because this mineral is often grayish white or ash gray.
Spodumene frequently occurs as very long, large unevenly terminated, flat-sided crystals, often with longitudinal striations.
The main color is a faintly green, nontransparent whitish gray. Violet pink, bright green, yellow green or yellow specimens are much less common.
Physical Properties
| Color |
white, gray, green, pink, yellow, brown |
| Refractive Index |
1.67-1.66 |
| Pleochroism |
strong |
| Chemistry |
LiAl Si2O6 |
| Hardness |
6-7 |
| Density |
3.2 |
| Crystal Group |
Monoclinic |
| Ocurrence |
Great Britain, Sweden, USA, Brazil, Madagascar |
Legend and Lore
In the past, spodumene was also called tripane, a word of Greek derivation meaning 'three aspects', due to its clear trichoism. It was associated with fertility, beauty, and love.
Browse Spodumenes
The pictures above only represents the general appearance of the Spodumene. Please note that the real Spodumenes in our stock will be of varied shapes, color and sizes.
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