spodumene
/ˈspɒdjʊmiːn
/noun [mass noun]
A translucent, typically greyish-white aluminosilicate mineral which is an important source of lithium.The dike is characterized by a greater abundance of muscovite than biotite; it also contains columbite-tantalite, cassiterite, beryl, spodumene, lepidolite, montebrasite, pollucite, and tourmaline....
- Autunite is widespread in the eastern United States and is particularly well known as an accessory in complex pegmatites that have been prospected for mica, feldspar, spodumene, and gems.
- Purple lepidolite and gray spodumene also can be found, and microcrystals of mangano-columbite are common.
Origin
Early 19th century: from French spodumène, from Greek spodoumenos 'burning to ashes', present participle of spodousthai, from spodos 'ashes'.