SPODUMENE

Overview: Spodumene is derived from the Greek, meaning "burnt to ashes," owing to the opaque, ash-grey appearance of material refined for use in industry. Kunzite and hiddenite are both a variety of the same base mineral known as Spodumene. Spodumene is a pyroxene mineral consisting of lithium aluminum silicate.

The standard, uncolored variety of Spodumene is used as a source of Lithium. Spodumene is known for its strong pleochroism, showing lighter and more intense coloring when viewed at different angles. It is a relatively rare mineral, occurring in association with quartz, microcline, albite, muscovite, lepidolite, tourmaline and beryl.

Usage: This stone suggests idea associated with fertility, beauty, growth, depth, and love. Spodumene gems are perfectly suited for setting into rings, pendants, brooches and earrings.

Legend: Spodumene has been known as a mineral for hundreds af years, but gem quality crystals were only discovered in about 1877. Spodumene is a relatively new mineral to science, being discovered in the last three centuries and gem varieties have only been discovered in the last 120 years.

Occurrence: California, North Carolina and South Dakota, USA; Afghanistan; Pakistan; Brazil and Madagascar.