Spodumene
Spodumene
Spodumene is the name of a mineral species that includes two very special gems varieties: kunzite and hiddenite. Spodumene is named from the Greek spodoumenos, meaning "burnt to ash," which alludes to the ashy color of many specimens. A member of the pyroxene group, spodumene belongs to a class of minerals called silicates and it is one of a small number of minerals that contain lithium. Spodumene also occurs in many other shades of colors, all pale but very clear and brilliant. These varieties are given color descriptor names; for example, lemon spodumene.
General Information
LWUV: inert yellow, orange, pink to strong orange-red
Spodumene Colors
-
Colorless -
Green -
Orange -
Pink -
Purple -
Purple -
Yellow
Spodumene Spectra
Color due to iron. Ferric iron produces two lines in the deep blue in almost identical positions. The dominant narrow line at 437nm.is often accompanied by a weaker one at 433nm. the strength of both dependent on the saturation of color. Very little variation in strength is detected with optical orientation
We acknowledge the significant scientific contributions of John S Harris, FGA to the study of gemstone spectra and with deep appreciation to him, acknowledges the use of his images and related notes about gemstones and their spectra in the educational materials on this website.
Alternate Names
Triphane, Kunzite, Hiddenite
Countries of Origin
Canada; Myanmar; Afghanistan; Austria; Russian Federation; Pakistan; Unknown; United States of America; Brazil; Madagascar; India
Care
Gentle care. Avoid prolonged exposure to light and heat with kunzite, yellow spodumene and treated hiddenite and green spodumene to prevent color fading. Some stones cleave or fracture easily. Wear with care. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.