SPODUMENE
Spodumene is a lithium aluminosilicate mineral -
LiAlSi2O6. It is usually grouped with the
pyroxenes. It has a nonmetallic luster that ranges from glassy on fresh
specimens to dull on weathered/altered specimens. It can look like a
feldspar. Weathered/altered spodumene in mine dumps often has the
appearance of wood ("decayed spodumene"). It is fairly hard
(H=6.5 to 7), varies in color, and has two cleavage planes at nearly perfect
corners (near 90º). Crystals show striations trending along the long
axis.
Spodumene can be gem-quality. Gem-quality
spodumene that's pinkish-purplish is called kunzite. Gem-quality
spodumene that's greenish is called hiddenite.
Spodumene (field of view 2.9 cm across)
Kunzite
from Pakistan. Specimen owned by the Dayton Gem & Mineral Society.