Scientific Name: Spodumene
Group: Silicates – inosilicates
Chemical composition: LiAl(Si2O6)
Colors: Gray, white to green, pink, colorless
Hardness: 6.5 to 7
Formation: Monoclinic crystal; Prismatic form
Principal Sources: Brazil, North Carolina
Special Notes: Source of lithium and used in batteries. The name is derived from the Greek spodumenos meaning “burnt to ashes,” owing to the opaque, ash-grey appearance of material refined for use in industry.