Spodumene is a lithium–aluminum inosilicate mineral with the chemical formula LiAl(SiO₃)₂. It is one of the most important primary sources of lithium and is widely used in the production of lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide for battery, ceramic, glass, and metallurgical industries.
Spodumene typically occurs in pegmatite deposits. Naturally occurring spodumene exists as α-spodumene, which must be thermally converted to β-spodumene to make lithium extraction economically viable.
Composition & Typical Ore Grades
• Chemical formula: LiAl(SiO₃)₂ (lithium aluminium silicate)
• Lithium oxide (Li₂O): typically 2 – 7.7% depending on deposit quality
• Crystal system: Monoclinic (α-spodumene), transforms to tetragonal β-spodumene on heating
• Associated minerals: Quartz, feldspar, mica (lepidolite), beryl
Physical & Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Crystal System | Monoclinic α-spodumene; β-spodumene after heat treatment |
| Color | White, gray, violet/pink (kunzite), green (hiddenite), yellow |
| Luster | Vitreous to pearly |
| Hardness (Mohs) | ~6.5 – 7 |
| Density | ~3.03 – 3.23 g/cm³ |
| Cleavage | Perfect in two directions |
| Tenacity | Brittle |
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
Phase Transformation:
• Natural α-spodumene has a dense monoclinic structure resistant to chemical attack
• Roasting at ~900–1100 °C converts it to β-spodumene with ~30% volume expansion
• This creates microcracks and increases chemical reactivity
Mechanical & Metallurgical Implications:
• High hardness and brittleness require energy-intensive crushing and grinding
• Thermal conversion improves leaching efficiency but disrupts crystal integrity
• Controlled calcination is critical for lithium liberation
Refining & Processing of Spodumene
Ore Beneficiation:
• Mining (open-pit or underground) and primary crushing
• Dense media separation (DMS) and/or flotation
• Fine grinding to <100–400 µm
Thermal Conversion:
• Calcination at 850–1100 °C converts α-spodumene to β-spodumene
Chemical Extraction:
• Acid roasting and water leaching (sulfuric acid)
• Alkaline processing using soda ash or limestone
End Products:
• Lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃)
• Lithium hydroxide (LiOH)
Available Forms of Spodumene Products
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Spodumene ore | Raw mined material |
| Spodumene concentrate (SC6) | ~6% Li₂O feedstock |
| β-Spodumene calcine | Thermally activated leaching feed |
| Lithium carbonate / hydroxide | Battery-grade chemicals |
| Gem-quality crystals | Kunzite, hiddenite (jewelry) |
Key Characteristics & Strengths
✔ High lithium concentration compared to many other ores
✔ Dense and hard structure enables stable handling
✔ Phase-change reactivity improves extraction efficiency
✔ Capable of producing very high-purity lithium salts
Applications of Spodumene-Derived Lithium
| Category | Applications |
|---|---|
| Batteries | EVs, electronics, grid storage |
| Ceramics & Glass | Low-expansion glass, ceramic flux |
| Lubricants | High-temperature lithium greases |
| Medical & Specialty | Pharmaceuticals, air treatment |
| Gemstones | Kunzite and hiddenite |
Advantages of Spodumene as a Lithium Source
✔ High lithium concentration
✔ Excellent lithium purity potential
✔ Mature hard-rock mining infrastructure
✔ Geographically diversified supply base
✔ Continuous technological improvements
Why Choose Spodumene
Spodumene is a cornerstone mineral for the global energy transition. Its scalable pegmatite deposits, high lithium content, established processing routes, and ability to deliver battery-grade lithium chemicals make it indispensable for electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and advanced technologies.