AllMineralsRock
Spodumene
Spodumene is a popular gemstone composed of lithium aluminum silicate. [1]
Spodumene: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Spodumene:- Transparency: Spodumene can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, spodumene is monoclinic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, spodumene is vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Spodumene streaks white.
- Hardness: Spodumene's hardness ranges from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Spodumene's specific gravity ranges from 3 to 3.21.
Spodumene: Background and Summary
Spodumene is a mineral that is primarily composed of lithium, aluminum, and silicon. It is a pyroxene mineral that has a monoclinic crystal system. The mineral is usually found in igneous rocks such as pegmatites and granites. The color of spodumene varies from white to yellow, pink, purple, green, and gray. The mineral has a vitreous to greasy luster and a transparent to translucent appearance. Spodumene is a relatively hard mineral with a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.One of the most significant uses of spodumene is as a source of lithium. Lithium is an essential element in rechargeable batteries that are used in various electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, and electric vehicles. Spodumene is also used in the manufacture of ceramics, glass, and enamels. The mineral has excellent heat and shock resistance, making it ideal for these applications. Spodumene is also used as a gemstone and is popular among collectors and jewelry makers.
To identify spodumene, one can use several methods. The mineral's color, crystal habit, and cleavage are the most critical characteristics to look for. Spodumene has a prismatic crystal habit and usually occurs as elongated crystals with flat ends. The mineral's cleavage is perfect in two directions, which means that it can be easily split into thin sheets. Spodumene also has a high specific gravity of 3.1 to 3.2, which is useful in distinguishing it from other minerals.
Spodumene: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Spodumene (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | LiAlSi2O6 |
| Chemical Composition | lithium aluminum silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 3, 3.21 |
| Hardness | 6.5, 7.5 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | monoclinic |
| Refractive Index | 1.653, 1.682 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: white sometimes: blue, gray, pink, brown, green, lilac, orange, purple, violet, yellow, colorless, multicolor |
| Solubility | insoluble |
| Category | inosilicate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.014–0.018 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Spodumene: FAQ
FAQQ: Is spodumene radioactive?
A: No, spodumene is not radioactive.
Q: Where is spodumene found?
A: Spodumene is primarily found in igneous rocks such as pegmatites and granites.
Q: What is the Mohs hardness of spodumene?
A: The Mohs hardness of spodumene is 6.5 to 7.
Q: What is spodumene used for?
A: Spodumene is primarily used as a source of lithium in rechargeable batteries. It is also used in the manufacture of ceramics, glass, and enamels and as a gemstone.
Sources
- "Spodumene." Mindat.org. Accessed September 7, 2021. https://www.mindat.org/min-3720.html.- "Spodumene." Geology.com. Accessed September 7, 2021. https://geology.com/minerals/spodumene.shtml.
- Spodumene: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spodumene
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