Spodumene ( LiAlSi2O6 ) - Discovery, Occurrence, Properties and Applications of Spodumene

Chemical Formula

LiAlSi2O6

Topics Covered

Background

Discovery

Occurrence

Chemical Analysis

Properties

Applications

Background

Spodumene is a lithium aluminosilicate that belongs to the pyroxene family of minerals. Spodumene has the chemical formula LiAlSi2O6. It is the most abundant lithium ore.

Discovery

Spodumene was first discovered around the year 1800 by the Brazilian scientist Jose Binifacio de Andrada e Silva while in Sweden. He identified it along with the mineral petalite.

Occurrence

Spodumene is found in North America, Brazil, USSR, Spain, parts of Africa such as Zimbabwe, China, Portugal, Argentina and Australia.

Chemical Analysis

Lithium

3.73%

Li2O

8.03%

Aluminium

14.50%

Al2O3

27.40%

Silicon

30.18%

SiO2

64.58%

Oxygen

51.59%

 

 

Total

100%

Total Oxides

100%

Properties

Specific gravity

 

3.0-3.2g/cm3

Hardness (mohs)

 

6.5-7.0

Refractive index

 

1.653-1.882

Applications

Spodumene is used for:

         A flux in ceramics and glass

         Production of lithium metal

 

Primary author: AZoM.com

 

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