Spodumene

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Spodumene
File:Spodumene-Quartz-cktsu-45a.jpg
Spodumene crystal with quartz
General
Category	[[Mineral categories|Pyroxene mineral]]
Formula	LiAl(SiO3)2
Strunz classification	[[Strunz classification|]]
Dana classification	[[Dana classification|]]
Crystal system	[[Crystal system|]]
Crystal class
Color	Colorless, white, gray, pink, lilac, yellow, green
Physical properties
Cleavage	Perfect on {110}
Mohs scale hardness
Luster	Vitreous
Streak	White
Diaphaneity	Transparent to translucent
Specific gravity
Optical properties
Refractive index
Crystal habit
Other characteristics

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Spodumene is a pyroxene mineral consisting of lithium aluminium inosilicate, LiAl(SiO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>, and is a source of lithium. It occurs as colorless to yellowish, purplish, or emerald-green crystals, often of great size. Spodumene is an important ore of lithium and is a significant mineral in the production of lithium batteries.

Occurrence

Spodumene is typically found in pegmatites associated with other lithium minerals such as lepidolite, petalite, and amblygonite. It is often found in large crystals, sometimes reaching several meters in length. Major deposits are found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Australia.

Varieties

Spodumene has several gem-quality varieties:

• Kunzite: The pink to lilac variety of spodumene, named after gemologist George Frederick Kunz.
• Hiddenite: The green variety of spodumene, named after William Earl Hidden, who discovered it in North Carolina.

Uses

Spodumene is primarily used as a source of lithium, which is extracted and used in the manufacture of lithium batteries, ceramics, and glass. The gem varieties, kunzite and hiddenite, are used in jewelry.

Extraction and Processing

The extraction of lithium from spodumene involves several steps: 1. Mining: Spodumene is mined from pegmatite deposits. 2. Crushing and Grinding: The ore is crushed and ground to liberate the spodumene crystals. 3. Concentration: The spodumene is concentrated using flotation or other methods. 4. Conversion: The concentrated spodumene is heated to convert it from the alpha to the beta form, which is more amenable to lithium extraction. 5. Leaching: The beta-spodumene is leached with sulfuric acid to produce lithium sulfate. 6. Precipitation: Lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide is precipitated from the solution.

Environmental Impact

The mining and processing of spodumene can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and carbon emissions. Efforts are being made to develop more sustainable methods of lithium extraction.

Also see

• Lithium
• Pegmatite
• Kunzite
• Hiddenite
• Lepidolite