Spodumene - mineral care, varieties, properties and photos

Spodumene is a mineral belonging to the pyroxene family. In fact, this is a silicate formation based on lithium and aluminum. The stone was discovered relatively recently, but it has many useful parameters.

Historical facts and origin theory

The spodumene stone was first discovered in 1800.

Thanks to the efforts of Silva d'Andrada, the crystal got its name and was presented to the public. The literal translation of the name of the mineral is turning into ash, which is due to the transformation of nuggets into a state of ash when trying to harden them.

Gem can appear in granite pigment. Often, beryl, quartz, tourmaline, albite, magnetite, and other minerals can be mined along with spodumene. Due to the hydrothermal action, the reaction of the replacement of the crystal by the rock takes place.

Place of Birth

On an industrial scale, nuggets are mined in the United States and the Russian Federation. Equally popular are stones mined in Afghanistan, Brazil, Norway and Austria. Sometimes crystals are found in the Czech Republic, Romania, Armenia, Finland, Madagascar, Australia and other countries.

Technical specifications

The properties of spodumene are equivalent to the possibilities of silicate formation based on aluminum and lithium. Possessing significant hardness, the mineral is a fragile stone. It is absolutely inert to an acidic environment, but is able to transform due to heat treatment. In nature, there are nuggets in the form of crystals of non-standard shape. In some cases, you can find duplicate copies with a granular structure. The raw material may have significant dimensions and a solid mass.

Fascinating discoveries have been made through the study of the optical capabilities of the mineral. In accordance with the type of lighting, as well as when scanning with X-rays, the color of the nugget may change.

If the stone is heated to a temperature of 220-500 degrees, one can observe radiological and photoluminescence, as well as a similar thermal-type phenomenon.

Assortment of nuggets

Spodumene stone has a wide palette of colors. Accordingly, there are the following types of minerals:

• Nuggets whose color ranges from pink to purple are called kunzite. The unique color scheme is based on inclusions in the form of manganese. For the first time such stones were found in 1899 and were often considered to be tourmaline. Three years later, the famous jeweler gave the mineral a unique name.
• Blue stones with a green tint can become brighter before becoming an emerald color. Similar crystals in 1879 were named hiddenite. Inclusions in the form of chromium and vanadium replace aluminum, which affects the color of the nugget.
• Colorless stones, which can have a color up to light shades of yellow, are called tryfan. The color scheme is set by impurities in the form of iron.
• A blue or blue nugget is called naristanite. Most often, these stones are found in Africa.

Application in medicine

In folk medicine, it is believed that the mineral has the following effects on the body:

• Strengthening the immune system, increasing stamina and developing immunity to viral diseases.
• Optimization of the functioning of the heart and circulatory system.
• Conclusion from a stressful or depressive state, as well as the treatment of insomnia.
• Elimination of pain in the head and joints.
• Rehabilitation after surgical treatment.

Masters of alternative medicine are sure that spodumene can help a woman get pregnant. A ring with a nugget will stabilize the pregnancy, simplify childbirth and allow the baby to be born healthy.

The usefulness of the mineral in the treatment of SARS is beyond doubt. Also, the stone will be useful to those who are experiencing neurological, psychological or psychiatric diseases. In addition, the crystal will help get rid of insomnia.

Use in magic

Spodumene is the protector of its carrier, whom the stone protects from any manifestations of negative energy. The gem will alert the wearer if any kind of danger is on the horizon.

It is recommended to make amulets for children from crystals. The stone provides protection to naive and gullible people. Spodumene protects the child from negativity, injury, and also from a sharp change in mood.

In addition, the stone attracts good luck to the wearer. A person gains well-being and happiness in life. The mineral will allow you to boldly overcome life situations. It will be possible to realize the fact that hysterical and panic attacks, as well as the manifestation of emotions, do not solve the situation.The stone will sharpen intuition and intellect, as well as gain spiritual development.

Jewelry production

There are quite a lot of deposits of stone in nature. Jewelers make a wide range of products with spodumene inserts. A rather fragile stone is processed by professionals. Sometimes the refinement of the crystal can cause cracks on its surface. Incorrect cutting can lead to loss of color. The thickness of the insert has a direct effect on the color saturation of the mineral.
Scientific and technical direction

In the field of science and technology, spodumene becomes the raw material from which lithium is extracted. The mineral becomes the starting material in the manufacture of glass products. In addition, batteries and pyrotechnic devices are created on the basis of crystals. In nuclear energy and medicine, the mineral also finds application.

stone care

Hard but brittle, spodumene should not be dropped or hit. The stone is not friendly with other gems, so it should not be near them. Do not leave the mineral under bright light. The product must be used carefully. It is acceptable to store spodumene in a separate container.

The stone is cleaned with slightly heated water. The use of any kind of chemicals is prohibited. You can use special jewelry compositions.

Originality check

Sometimes they try to pass off cheap varieties of quartz, synthetic products or glass as spodumene. Natural stone and its varieties have the following parameters:

• When squeezed in the hand, the natural mineral will heat up for a long time.
• Almost all crystals change color in different projections of light.
• Natural nugget has a natural color.

Interaction with different zodiac signs

Spodumene is friends with all signs of the zodiac. Most of all, the stone impresses the elements of Earth and Fire:

• Virgo men will become more responsible and caring in the family circle. Women will awaken maternal instinct. They will become excellent housewives and mothers. Children will learn to extract joy from life, acquire values ​​and meet their love.
• The Taurus woman will easily find her man. She will solve any life situation. The spirit of an adventurer will wake up in a man. The child will receive protection from negativity, respect and compassion.
• The Capricorn child easily makes new acquaintances and gains interest in life. A woman changes her worldview and decides on non-standard solutions. A man learns to prioritize and achieves a positive result. Capricorns are advised to wear spodumene often.
• The amulet will allow you to enhance the best qualities of Aries and minimize the negative. A woman will gain good luck and fortitude, and the child will become a good person.
• Leo will always be in a positive mood and gain self-control. Men will become more devoted to the family. A woman will learn to compromise. She will look good and also think positively. The child will be protected from injury, and will also become a decent and obedient person.
• The Sagittarius child will be protected from injury. The woman will become wise. New perspectives will open before the man. The talisman will enhance good character traits, protect against negativity and endow the wearer with positive emotions.
• Cancer will gain self-confidence and will make bold decisions.
• Gemini will be able to find a way out of adverse situations. They are in control and in a positive mood.
• Scorpio will believe in personal happiness, gain development in the field of intellect and intuition. He will become a rich and independent person.
• Aquarians receive positive emotions and charge the environment with them. There will be inner harmony and the ability to express when the need arises.
• Pisces will become self-confident and sociable individuals, able to successfully complete the task.
• Libra will not experience stress in the process of finding a solution to a difficult situation.

Spodumene is a beautiful mineral with a rich palette of colors. The stone and its varieties are often used in medicine, magic and industry. Crystal jewelry requires special care. In terms of astrology, the stone is suitable for any sign of the zodiac.

Photo of the stone Spodumene