Appearance
The crystal structure of spodumene is monoclinic. It can be found in colorless to yellowish, purplish, or lilac kunzite, yellowish-green or emerald-green prismatic crystals, which are frequently very large.
Geographical Distribution
With its kunzite and hiddenite variations, which have long drawn notice with their strong pleochroism, the evident substance has been utilized as a precious stone. Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, Pakistan, Quebec, Canada, and North Carolina, California, USA are among the places with resources.
History
The world’s largest lithium spodumene hard rock deposit has been known to exist in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since 2018. Mining operations are carried out in the DRC’s central region of Manono, Tanganyika Province. Based on studies and drilling of Roche Dure, one of several pegmatites in the deposit, the Australian company AVZ Minerals is developing the Manono Lithium and Tin project as of 2021. Based on this resource size, the project has 400 million tonnes of high grade low impurities at 1.65% lithium oxide (Li2O) spodumene hard-rock.
Metaphysical Properties
The stone of love, spodumene, is known for its unadulterated, sensuous love. Spodumene is very cleansing; it will remove emotional obstacles and allow love to flow on all levels. Love has no barriers when it comes from Spodumene. Spodumene has defensive properties and can fend off psychic assault.
Chemical Composition
Spodumene, a pyroxene mineral of LiAl(SiO3)2, lithium aluminum inosilicate, is a significant source of lithium for commerce.
Types
Hiddenite:
The chromium-infused emerald green spodümen kind has an emerald color. Not all green spodumene have been stained with chromium, which has a tendency to be less pigmented and so not disguised.
Kunzite:
Kunzite is a vivid gemstone with several shades of manganese and a hint of trace color that shifts from pink to lilac. Kunzite is heated in some cases (but not in all) to enhance its color for gemstones. To enhance color, it is also commonly exposed to radiation.
Triphane:
Triphane is a yellow variant of Spodumene.
Uses
Spodumene is a significant source of lithium, used in Pyroceram, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, cell phones, batteries (including automotive uses), and as a fluxing agent.
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