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Natural inorganic gem materials · Mineral species · Natural identity; treatment status unknown

Spodumene

Also known asHiddenite (conditional name)

A pyroxene-group mineral species listed in Annex A.1 of GB/T 16552-2017; kunzite and hiddenite are its colour or gem varieties. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.

Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.

Edited by JuneReviewed by RalphLast updated 2026-10-13Who maintains this page

Care and wear

What this page can answer

This page covers

What we cannot conclude

  • Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
  • Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
  • Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.

Material research: formation, causes and history

What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.

How it forms

Spodumene has the formula LiAlSi2O6 and belongs to the pyroxene group; it is a lithium-rich monoclinic pyroxene. It is a common constituent of lithium-rich granite pegmatites and also occurs in aplites and gneisses, typically associated with quartz, albite, petalite, eucryptite, lepidolite and beryl. Spodumene is an independent mineral species; its light pink to violetish purple variety is kunzite, and its green (chromium-bearing) variety is hiddenite.

Scope: Applies to the genesis, composition and occurrence of spodumene as a lithium-rich pyroxene-group mineral species, including the variety boundaries of kunzite and hiddenite; does not cover synthetic materials.

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · GIA Kunzite Description

Where it forms

Lithium-rich granite pegmatites — the principal setting for spodumene

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy

Gneisses together with aplites

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy

How it forms, step by step

  1. Lithium-rich granitic melts become strongly differentiated and enriched during the pegmatite stage, supplying Li, Al and Si.

    Sources Handbook of Mineralogy

  2. During pegmatite crystallization, spodumene crystallizes together with quartz, albite, lepidolite, beryl and others.

    Sources Handbook of Mineralogy

  3. Spodumene crystals are typically flattened and striated prisms, with twinning commonly developed.

    Sources Handbook of Mineralogy

  4. Under conditions such as manganese enrichment, pink to violetish crystals may form (kunzite).

    Sources GIA Kunzite Description

Link to appearance

Spodumene may be colorless, greenish white, greyish white, yellowish green, emerald green, yellow, pink to violet, with a vitreous luster and pearly on cleavage; kunzite is light pink to violetish purple, hiddenite green.

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · GIA Kunzite Description

Timescale

The sources state no timescale for spodumene formation.

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · GIA Kunzite Description · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022

Supporting findings

Spodumene is typically associated with quartz, albite, petalite, eucryptite, lepidolite and beryl.

Evidence grade B

Scope: Describes common spodumene associations; not every locality contains all of these minerals.

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy

Recorded localities

Authoritative sources list the localities below; the list is not exhaustive.

Locality sketch mapLand outlines only; the map does not depict any national or regional boundary. Dots mark approximate positions. Base map: Natural Earth (public domain).

Africa

Asia

Europe

North America

South America

These are localities recorded by authoritative sources, not an origin finding for any individual piece. The CIBJO Gemstone Book (2022, §4.2.3) says a place of origin names where a gem was mined or harvested, is a matter of opinion, does not imply a level of quality, and that cutting, processing or exporting centres must not be used to imply origin. See how far testing can go on this page, the origin determination guide and the overview of recorded localities.

Where the name comes from

The mineral's English name, spodumene, comes from a Greek word meaning ash-coloured, a nod to its colour.

Evidence grade B

Scope: Etymology explains the origin of the name only; it does not establish the material's composition, locality, naturalness, or treatment.

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy

Other research findings

Spodumene has the formula LiAlSi2O6, belongs to the pyroxene group, and is a common constituent of lithium-rich granite pegmatites, also occurring in aplites and gneisses.

Evidence grade B

Scope: Describes spodumene's composition and occurrence; it does not infer detailed origin of any sample.

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy

Spodumene is a mineral species in its own right; kunzite is its light-pink to violetish-purple variety, and hiddenite the green, chromium-coloured one.

Evidence grade A

Scope: Defines the kunzite/hiddenite-to-spodumene variety-to-species relationship; it does not treat variety names as independent species.

Sources GIA Kunzite Description · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022

Irradiation followed by heating can intensify kunzite's colour; whether treated or natural, that colour may fade when the stone is exposed to heat and strong light.

Evidence grade A

Scope: Describes treatment of existing spodumene (kunzite) and its stability; not laboratory synthesis of the crystal.

Sources GIA Kunzite Description

Limits of this research

  • Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
  • The sources state no absolute geological timescale for spodumene formation.
  • The specific chromophore of kunzite's pink color (e.g. Mn) is not explicitly attributed by the available sources; this record relies on GIA's treatment and stability statements.

Methodology

Evidence grades

A
Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
B
Institutional educational material
C
Specialist databases or cautious readings

A statement is never graded above its strongest source.

This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.

DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments

Suggested listing name
Spodumene

GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1 “Spodumene” · IMA Mineral List 2026-07 “Spodumene”

Construction or treatment status

Natural identity; treatment status unknown

Treatments recorded for this material: Irradiated

Related:Disclosure and cautions

This page cannot answer

Natural? · Origin · Price

A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.

Related:What this page can answer

Answer at a glance

Spodumene is Spodumene; use "Spodumene" for listings, and disclose any known treatments.

Evidence

  • GB/T · Table A.1, row 锂辉石 (Spodumene)

What this means for you

Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Spodumene" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.

Known uncertainty

Last reviewed
2026-09-01

Care and wear

Normal care for every gemstone (CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.1), in brief:

  • Handle it gently.
  • Store pieces apart when not worn, so they cannot scratch each other.
  • Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
  • Use ultrasonic cleaners only with caution.

The §6.1 wording and the full list of §6.2 special-care letters cited on this page are on the general gem care page.

Care

care (cleaning)2 sources compared

Spodumene — care (cleaning): ultrasonic and steamer: avoid; note: avoid thermal shock.

Gems & Gemology 1987 (Martin)

Treatment state
untreated
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — care (cleaning): Some stones are susceptible to damage from ultrasonic cleaning. Do not expose them to ultrasonic cleaning.

CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022

CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code j

Treatment state
any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-25

Spodumene — care (light): may fade or revert to its original colour in strong light; do not wear or leave it in strong light for extended periods.

CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022

CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code f

Treatment state
untreated
Source & check 2026-09-25
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-25

Spodumene — care (light): may fade or revert to its original colour in strong light; do not wear or leave it in strong light for extended periods.

CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022

CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code f

Treatment state
treated
Source & check 2026-09-25
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-25

Spodumene — care (wear): cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care.

CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022

CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code b

Treatment state
any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-25

Spodumene — care (special care): irradiated green or yellow: special care (SC), with extra caution; the colour fades in light or heat.

AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th ed.

Treatment state
treated
Only after these treatments
irradiation
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — care (setting): prong and bezel: use caution; channel: use extreme caution; flush and pavé: avoid; note: two perfect cleavages.

Gems & Gemology 1987 (Martin)

Treatment state
untreated
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — care (repair): polishing: use caution; jeweller's torch, pickle pot and thermal shock: avoid; note: fuses easily under the torch; avoid thermal shock.

Gems & Gemology 1987 (Martin)

Treatment state
untreated
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — care (display): heat in the display case: use caution; sunlight and artificial light: avoid; note: kunzite commonly fades.

Gems & Gemology 1987 (Martin)

Treatment state
untreated
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — care (display): Irradiated green material fades within minutes to hours

Gems & Gemology 1987 (Martin)

Treatment state
treated
Only after these treatments
irradiation
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.

Common care questions and matching entries

CleaningCleaning Spodumene: the CIBJO Blue Book (Official Gemstone Book, 2022) says that, in any treatment state, Spodumene must not be cleaned ultrasonically; Martin's Gemstone Durability says untreated Spodumene should avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning. Heat and repair: Martin's Gemstone Durability says untreated Spodumene should avoid thermal shock, polishing during repair calls for caution, and the torch, post-soldering pickling solution and thermal shock should be avoided. Light and display: the CIBJO Blue Book (Official Gemstone Book, 2022) states that both untreated and treated Spodumene can fade or revert to the original colour in strong light, so it should not be worn or left in strong light for long; Martin's Gemstone Durability says untreated Spodumene should avoid daylight and artificial light, and kunzite often fades; the AGTA (American Gem Trade Association) Gemstone Information Manual, 17th edition, says irradiated Spodumene turned green or yellow needs extra special care, as it fades in light or heat. Wear and setting: the CIBJO Blue Book (Official Gemstone Book, 2022) says that, in any treatment state, Spodumene breaks easily and should be worn with care; Martin's Gemstone Durability says that for untreated Spodumene prong and bezel settings call for caution, channel settings for extra caution, and tension and pavé settings should be avoided.

This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.

QuestionMatching entries
Can it go in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner?ultrasonic and steamer: avoid; note: avoid thermal shock; care (cleaning)
Heat and thermal shockpolishing: use caution; jeweller's torch, pickle pot and thermal shock: avoid; note: fuses easily under the torch; avoid thermal shock
Light and displaymay fade or revert to its original colour in strong light; do not wear or leave it in strong light for extended periods; may fade or revert to its original colour in strong light; do not wear or leave it in strong light for extended periods; heat in the display case: use caution; sunlight and artificial light: avoid; note: kunzite commonly fades; Irradiated green material fades within minutes to hours
Wearing limits (knocks, settings)cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care; prong and bezel: use caution; channel: use extreme caution; flush and pavé: avoid; note: two perfect cleavages

Care entries by treatment state

The same entries grouped by the treatment state each applies to; each links to its full wording and source. Letters are CIBJO special-care codes, explained on the gemstone care page.

untreated

any treatment state

treated

treated (Only after these treatments: irradiation)

Durability and wearing

Toughness

Brittle

Fracture

Uneven to subconchoidal

Sources Handbook of Mineralogy

Treatments and identification leads

Registered treatmentsThe registered treatment for Spodumene is irradiation. Values not givenIts status is irradiated or dyed; stability and market frequency are both marked with a dash in the cited source, meaning the cited source gives no value, not none. Identification cluesThe identification leads are: irradiation is commonly applied to Spodumene; colourless or near-colourless Spodumene can turn pink after irradiation, and purple Spodumene can turn dark green after irradiation; the colour fades with slight heating or exposure to light, and it is hard to detect. The source is GB/T 16553—2017.

This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.

TreatmentMarket frequency (CIBJO)Stability (CIBJO)GB/T 16552 categoryJJA/AGL listingIdentification leads
irradiationStatus: irradiated or dyed——Treatment—See identification leads

Where each treatment acts (schematics): Irradiated

“—” means the cited source gives no value for that item, not “none”. Source: GB/T 16553—2017; GB/T 16552—2017 Table B.1

Whether a treatment has to show in the name differs between the two rule sets (this site’s paraphrase):

  • GB/T 16552—2017: a method classed as treatment has to be stated in the name itself — the method put before the name, or added in brackets after it; a method classed as optimization does not need to appear in the name, though one marked “Optimization (annotation required)” still has to be noted in the quality documents. Source: §5.4.2.1 a), b); §5.4.2.2 a)
  • CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022: no longer splits treatments into ones that need specific disclosure and ones that need only general disclosure: every treatment is to be disclosed, and the seller tells the buyer which treatment was used and what special care it calls for. Source: §4.2.5 Note 2, §4.2.5.1, pp.14–15

What this table covers

What this page can give

  • Registered treatments, their stability and how often they occur (see the table above)
  • Identification leads for each treatment, for use when sending a stone for testing

How lab reports word it

A general LMHC wording rule also covers Spodumene (Information Sheet #8): see the LMHC rule “When colour authenticity cannot be determined”.

A general LMHC wording rule also covers Spodumene (Information Sheet #16): see the LMHC rule “Colour stability testing”.

VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources

Names

Besides Spodumene, the name register records "Hiddenite" and "Kunzite", for which no restriction on use as a name is recorded.

Standard and listing namesThe Chinese formal name for Spodumene comes from GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1, and the suggested listing name is Spodumene. Trade and mineralogical namesThe mineralogical name and the English name are both Spodumene, and Japan's GSJ formal name is a Japanese name meaning lithia pyroxene. Names in four languagesNames are given in four languages: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English (Spodumene) and Japanese (a katakana transliteration and that Japanese name). Trade and mineralogical namesTrade names/synonyms are Kunzite and Hiddenite, both of which must meet variety conditions and are matched to spodumene only once the condition is confirmed. Institution usageOn authority wording, CIBJO records Spodumene (CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024); the FTC text on file has no wording for this name (checked); GIA and Gem-A are unchecked. Bodies without a recorded wording show the entry's own English name, which does not represent their position.

Name register

Every name recorded for this entry, with how it is classified, whether it may be matched to this entry automatically, whether it may be used as a product name, and the clause it rests on.

This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.

NameTypeMatchingUse as a nameBasis
no restriction recorded (2)
HiddeniteEnglishnarrower name (variety or subtype)matched only once the condition is confirmedno restriction recordededitorial ruling (no clause cited)
KunziteEnglishnarrower name (variety or subtype)matched only once the condition is confirmedno restriction recordededitorial ruling (no clause cited)

How each authority words this name: see Names › Authority wording.

Authority wording

GIA, FTC, CIBJO, Gem-A
Spodumene (on record for CIBJO (CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024); no wording for this name in the FTC text on file; GIA, Gem-A unchecked — bodies without a recorded wording show the entry's own English name)
GSJ (Japan) formal name
リシア輝石
Chinese formal name
锂辉石 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1)
Mineralogical name
Spodumene
Trade names and synonyms
Kunzite (narrower name (variety or subtype); conditional name) · Hiddenite (narrower name (variety or subtype); conditional name)

Four-language names

简体中文
锂辉石
繁體中文
鋰輝石
English
Spodumene
日本語
スポジュメン／リシア輝石

See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index

Classification

Origin
Natural materials
Material domain
Natural inorganic gem materials
Browsing family
Other silicate minerals
Identity tier
Mineral species
Mineral chemical class
Silicates
Construction or treatment status
Natural identity; treatment status unknown

Treatments listed by standards

The treatment listed for Spodumene under the “Spodumene” entry of GB/T 16552—2017 Annex B, Table B.1 is irradiation, which changes colour, in the treatment category. The notes to Table B.1 and the definitions of the grades cited are on this site's Gem treatments page.

GB/T 16552-2017, Annex B, Table B.1

Table B.1, row “Spodumene” (p.15):

This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.

MethodEffectCategory
IrradiationChanges colourTreatment

What Table B.1 is, and how the “see 5.4.1” grades are defined: see the GB/T 16552: optimization vs treatment page.

What it is and how it's identified

Among the material facts for Spodumene, the chemical formula, crystal system, Mohs hardness, density, refractive index and birefringence are registered for Spodumene itself: the formula is LiAlSi2O6, which may contain Fe, Mn, Ti, Ga, Cr, V, Co, Ni, Cu, Sn and other elements; the crystal system is monoclinic; Mohs hardness is 6.5–7; density is 3.15–3.21 g/cm³, derived from the cited clause's 3.18 with a tolerance of ±0.03; refractive index is 1.655–1.681, derived from the cited clause's 1.660–1.676 with a tolerance of ±0.005; birefringence is 0.014–0.016. Registered for pyroxene as a whole mineral group: the overall structure is crystalline, cleavage is perfect in two directions and usually not visible in aggregates, and optical character is anisotropic, biaxial positive. In the untreated state, Spodumene's body colour ranges from pink to bluish violetish red, green, yellow, blue and colourless, usually light in tone; pink to bluish violetish red stones show moderate to strong pleochroism, and colourless and green stones moderate pleochroism.

Registered material facts

Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.

Chemical composition, luminescence, UV-visible spectrum, infrared spectrum, magnification: these whole-class features are given in the cited clause for pyroxene (the whole mineral group), so they are not repeated on the Spodumene page; see the material facts on the Pyroxene entry.

Items below that name the class they cover give the cited clause’s value for that whole class, not a measurement of Spodumene (how to read class-level values).

Definition

Spodumene — nomenclature status: IMA status A: approved (accepted by the IMA after it was set up in 1958).

CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024

Source & check 2026-09-22
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-22

Spodumene — composition (chemistry): spodumene: LiAlSi2O6; may contain Fe, Mn, Ti, Ga, Cr, V, Co, Ni, Cu, Sn and other elements.

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Chemical composition · Spodumene (locator checked 2026-09-28)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — composition (phase): spodumene

CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024

Source & check 2026-09-22
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-22

Structure

Spodumene — structure (overall): crystalline

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — structure (crystal system): monoclinic

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Crystal system · Spodumene (locator checked 2026-09-28)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — structure (crystal system): monoclinic for diopside, augite and spodumene; orthorhombic for enstatite.

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — structure (crystal habit): usually prismatic, sometimes forming flaky, radiating or fibrous aggregates; augite can form platy crystals.

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Durability

Spodumene — Mohs hardness: 6.5–7

GB/T 16553—2017

123456789106.5–7References (diamond = value, bar = range; below)

Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))

Mohs hardnessSource: GB/T 16553—2017
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
General note
hardness only, not durability
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Mohs hardness · Spodumene (locator checked 2026-09-28)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — Mohs hardness: 5–6

GB/T 16553—2017

123456789105–6References (diamond = value, bar = range; below)

Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))

Mohs hardnessSource: GB/T 16553—2017
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
General note
the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — cleavage: cleaves perfectly in two directions; aggregates normally show no cleavage.

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Physical properties

Spodumene — density: 3.15–3.21 g/cm³

GB/T 16553—2017

0.51.52.53.54.55.56.57.53.15–3.21
Specific gravitySource: GB/T 16553—2017
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Qualification

The clause we cite gives 3.18, with a stated tolerance of ±0.03. The range shown here is worked out from that.

Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Density · Spodumene (locator checked 2026-09-28)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — density: 3.1–3.52 g/cm³

GB/T 16553—2017

0.51.52.53.54.55.56.57.53.1–3.52
Specific gravitySource: GB/T 16553—2017
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
General note
the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Optical

Optical effects on record: chatoyancyrepresentative example: cause in Tiger’s Eye (schematic)asterismrepresentative example: cause in Star Sapphire (schematic)

Spodumene — optic character: biaxial, optically positive (anisotropic)

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — refractive index: 1.655–1.681

GB/T 16553—2017

1.31.72.12.52.93.31.655–1.681
Refractive indexSource: GB/T 16553—2017
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Qualification

The clause we cite gives 1.660–1.676, with a stated tolerance of ±0.005. The range shown here is worked out from that.

Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Refractive index · Spodumene (locator checked 2026-09-28)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — refractive index: 1.66–1.772

GB/T 16553—2017

1.31.72.12.52.93.31.66–1.772
Refractive indexSource: GB/T 16553—2017
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
General note
the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — birefringence: 0.014–0.016

GB/T 16553—2017

00.050.10.150.20.250.30.014–0.016
BirefringenceSource: GB/T 16553—2017
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Birefringence · Spodumene (locator checked 2026-09-28)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — birefringence: 0.008–0.033

GB/T 16553—2017

00.050.10.150.20.250.30.008–0.033
BirefringenceSource: GB/T 16553—2017
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
General note
the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — transparency: transparent.

CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024

Source & check 2026-09-22
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-22

Spodumene — pleochroism: pink-red to bluish violet-red stones: medium to strong, pink-red to light violet-red; colourless and green stones: medium, blue-green, yellow-green.

GB/T 16553—2017

Treatment state
untreated
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Pleochroism · Spodumene (locator checked 2026-09-28)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — pleochroism: trichroism, weak to strong. Diopside shows light to dark green; enstatite shows brownish yellow and yellow, or green and yellow-green; augite shows light green, light brown and green-yellow. Pink-red to blue-purple-red spodumene is moderate to strong, showing pink-red and light purple-red; colorless and green spodumene is moderate, showing blue-green and yellow-green.

GB/T 16553—2017

Treatment state
untreated
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — fluorescence (overall): spodumene (pink-red to blue-violet-red): long wave moderate to strong, pink-red to orange; short wave weak to moderate, pink-red to orange; spodumene (yellow-green): long wave weak, orange-yellow; short wave very weak, orange-yellow; spodumene (green): none.

GB/T 16553—2017

UV fluorescencepink-redorangemoderate–strong, spodumene (pink-red to blue-violet-red)pink-redorangeweak–moderate, spodumene (pink-red to blue-violet-red)orange-yellowweak, spodumene (yellow-green)orange-yellowvery weak, spodumene (yellow-green)Dots are illustrative colours built from the colour names, not measured values

Treatment state
untreated
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Fluorescence (locator checked 2026-09-28)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — spectrum (UV-visible): non-characteristic; spodumene (yellow-green): 433 nm absorption peak; 438 nm absorption peak; spodumene (green): 646 nm absorption peak; 669 nm absorption peak; 686 nm absorption peak; approximately 620 nm broad absorption band.

GB/T 16553—2017

400450500550600650700 nmspodumene (yellow-green)433438spodumene (green)620646669686
Absorption spectrum (schematic)Line = absorption peak; hatching = absorption band; heavier or darker = higher recorded strength grade (not a measured intensity); Schematic: positions and strength grades as given by the cited source, not a measured curveSource: GB/T 16553—2017
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 UV-visible spectrum (locator checked 2026-09-28)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — optical effect (chatoyancy): seen

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — optical effect (asterism): seen; a four-pointed star

GB/T 16553—2017

Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

body colour2 sources compared

Spodumene — body colour: Green.

CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024

Treatment state
untreated
Qualification

In chapter 7 of the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book, the colour descriptions of Aventurine Quartz, Diopside, Emerald and other entries also name green or a greenish colour.

General note
colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-22
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-22

Spodumene — body colour: pink-red to bluish violet-red, green, yellow, blue, colourless; usually light in tone.

GB/T 16553—2017

Treatment state
untreated
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
Qualification

In chapter 5 of GB/T 16553—2017, the colour entries of Cultured Pearl, Scapolite, Apatite and other variety clauses also name red or a reddish colour.

General note
colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 Colour · Spodumene (locator checked 2026-09-28)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

How the sources relate

CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 and GB/T 16553—2017

different scope

The two entries cover different ranges: the entry in the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book refers to green spodumene (hiddenite) only, while GB/T 16553—2017 lists pink-red to bluish violet-red, green, yellow, blue and colourless, usually light in tone, for spodumene. They agree on green.

CIBJO definitions
chatoyancy, asterism

Quality factors

Spodumene — quality factor (lustre): vitreous

GB/T 16553—2017

Treatment state
untreated
Does this standard apply
applies to this entry
What this covers
pyroxene (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.

1.681.71.721.743.13.23.33.43.5Refractive indexSpecific gravity12345Spodumene

This material (RI / SG midpoints): 1.714 / 3.31; Closest values: 1Vesuvianite / Idocrase 1.711 / 3.38, 2Hydrogrossular 1.7 / 3.35, 3Tanzanite 1.696 / 3.28, 4Epidote 1.737 / 3.38, 5Axinite 1.683 / 3.31

Show the full chart (330 registered materials)1.41.51.61.71.81.922.12.22.32.41234567Refractive indexSpecific gravity12345Spodumene

Outside the full chart's range, drawn as triangles at the edge (RI / SG midpoints): Hematite 3.045/5.12, Synthetic Rutile 2.76/4.26, Rutile 2.753/4.23, Synthetic Moissanite 2.67/3.22

Refractive index × specific gravity (all registered materials)Each dot is one material's registered refractive index and specific gravity (range midpoints, not measurements); gold = this material, dark = the nearest few (picked on this site by distance in RI ÷ 0.02 and SG ÷ 0.1, leaving out near-identical varieties of the same species)Source: each material's registered refractive index and specific gravity facts (GB/T 16553 and others; sources on each entry)

Testing and market

The tests the CIBJO laboratory protocol requires for Spodumene, and what each method means, are in the protocol table on the laboratory testing page. For irradiated or dyed Spodumene, the identification leads are: irradiation is commonly used on spodumene; colourless or near-colourless spodumene can turn pink after irradiation, and violet spodumene can turn dark green; the colour fades with slight heating or exposure to light, and it is difficult to detect. The leads are cited from GB/T 16553—2017, which can only be used as a reference for the Spodumene entry and does not govern it directly. The CIBJO laboratory protocol requires particular checks for easy cleavage and for irradiation: blue-green colour fades. There is no synthetic Spodumene on the market.

The tests the CIBJO laboratory protocol requires for this material, and what each method means, are in the protocol table on the laboratory testing page: §6.1.80.

How far testing can go

Spodumene that has undergone irradiation can be identified by the following features: commonly applied to spodumene: colourless or near-colourless spodumene can be turned pink by irradiation and violet spodumene dark green; the colour fades on slight heating or exposure to light; hard to detect.

GB/T 16553—2017

Treatment state
irradiated or dyed
Does this standard apply
can be followed as a reference only
Treatment
irradiation
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
  • GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.25 (irradiation) (locator checked 2026-09-26)
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Spodumene — synthetic counterpart on the market: No synthetic counterpart of this material is commercially available

CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022

Treatment state
any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-22
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-22

Spodumene — what the CIBJO laboratory protocol says to watch for: easy cleavage, irradiation: blue-green will fade.

CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024

Treatment state
any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-26
Source
Fact checked on
2026-09-26

Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.

Clause-level definitions

Spodumene has a clause-level definition in the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 under the term Spodumene; the cross-check shows it is defined directly by CIBJO and also appears in the GB/T annex. Hiddenite is defined in the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 as the green variety of spodumene, coloured by chromium, whose colour may fade; the cross-check shows it is defined directly by CIBJO, and no identically named English entry was found in this edition of the GB/T annex. Kunzite is defined in the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 as the pink to bluish purple variety of spodumene, whose colour may fade; the cross-check shows it is defined directly by CIBJO, and no identically named English entry was found in this edition of the GB/T annex. Spodumene is defined as mineral species spodumene, IMA status A, with the CIBJO wording quoted in full under Clause-level definitions on this page. The IMA Mineral List entry records Spodumene as LiAlSi2O6, IMA status A, 1962 s.p., cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list, using public domain data.

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TermClauseDefinitionCross-check
Hiddenite7.2.1.110Green variety of spodumene, coloured by chromium. Colour may fadeDefined directly by CIBJO; no identically named English entry was found in this edition of the GB/T annex.
Kunzite7.2.1.124Pink to bluish purple variety of spodumene. Colour may fadeDefined directly by CIBJO; no identically named English entry was found in this edition of the GB/T annex.
Spodumene7.2.1.227pink to bluish purple, green, yellow, colourless, transparent; colours typically light in tone and may fade. See also kunzite and hiddeniteDefined directly by CIBJO; also present in the GB/T annex.
SpodumeneIMA Mineral List entrySpodumene LiAlSi2O6 A 1962 s.p.Cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list (public domain data).

Evidence and sources

Authority basis and clause sources

GB/T 16552—2017
Listed Table A.1 “Spodumene” · Source
IMA Mineral List 2026-07
Listed “Spodumene” · Source
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Listed §7.2.1.227 “Spodumene” · Source

Sources

Further reading

Related pages

Treatments recorded for this material

Related entries and topic cluster

Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.

This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.

PageContentStatus
Browsing familyOther silicate mineralsLive
Treatments recorded for this materialIrradiatedLive
Related articlesTo be added (placeholder)Planned

Who maintains this page

The material facts in the Spodumene entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.

Facts editor
June
Reviewer
Ralph
How facts are checked
Each fact is matched to the clause it cites; facts checked between 2026-09-22 and 2026-09-26
Last revised
2026-10-13
Purpose
Lets buyers and sellers check naming, disclosure and material facts clause by clause.

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