Gem Minerals
Spodumene
What it is
A lithium aluminum pyroxene prized in two gem varieties: kunzite (pink, from manganese) and hiddenite (green, from chromium). Spodumene is also the world's primary ore of lithium.
How it forms
Forms exclusively in lithium-rich granite pegmatites. These are the most evolved, element-concentrated magmatic fluids. Spodumene crystals can grow enormous — the largest ever found was over 14 meters long.
LiAlSi₂O₆ (Monoclinic)
