Lithium pyroxene and major ore of lithium. Gem varieties include kunzite pink and hiddenite green . Color: White, pink kunzite , green hiddenite. Luster: Vitreous. Streak: White. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions at 87°. Hardness: 6.5-7. Transparency: Transparent to translucent. Crystal system: Monoclinic. Chemical formula: LiAlSi₂O₆. Specific gravity: 3.0-3.2. Formation: Forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites, often as very large crystals up to 14 m recorded . Common geological settings: Afghanistan, Brazil, USA North Carolina , Madagascar; found in granitic pegmatites. Common look-alikes and related entries: Feldspar, Quartz, Scapolite.
Previous: Spinel — Magnesium aluminum oxide forming octahedral crystals. Red spinel was historically confused with ruby, including famous crown jewels.
Next: Spodumene (Kunzite) — Pink to violet gem variety of spodumene colored by manganese. Discovered in 1902 and named after gemologist G.F. Kunz.
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:36:47.213963+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Lithium pyroxene and major ore of lithium. Gem varieties include kunzite pink and hiddenite green .
How can you identify Spodumene?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: White, pink kunzite , green hiddenite; lustre: Vitreous; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 6.5-7; cleavage: Perfect in two directions at 87°; crystal system: Monoclinic; transparency: Transparent to translucent. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Spodumene form?
Forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites, often as very large crystals up to 14 m recorded .
Where is Spodumene commonly found?
Afghanistan, Brazil, USA North Carolina , Madagascar; found in granitic pegmatites.
What is Spodumene commonly confused with?
Spodumene may be confused with Feldspar, Quartz, Scapolite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
JavaScript is loading the interactive GeoMiner experience. The identification tools provide educational candidates, not laboratory confirmation.
