Spodumene

Spodumene is a new mineral to science world discovered in the last three centuries. The gem variety of it was discovered only in the last 120 years. It is a lithium aluminum silicate with colors ranging from white, colorless, gray, pink, lilac, violet and green.

There are two broad varieties of spodumene, Kunzite and Hiddenite. Kunzite is most famous and is the collectors choice. It comes in lovely pink to lilac color which is unique in the gem world. Comparatively, Hiddenite is not so common and even abundant. Its color is usual green which is unlike peridot or emerald.

Spondumene is strongly pleochroic and hence a great challenge for gem cutter. A great care is taken to orient the stone in the best position to obtain the deepest color. The cleavage, parting and fracture of the stone is also a tough job for any gem cutter.

Notable occurrences of the stone is California, North Carolina and South Dakota in the US. Apart from this, it is also found in Afganistan, Pakistan, Brazil and Madagascar. Its hardness is 6.5 - 7 on Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 3.2, which is slightly above average.