mineral

Pale greenish-yellow spodumene crystal (likely hiddenite or kunzite-family material)

Spodumene, LiAlSi₂O₆

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Transparent to translucent, pale yellow-green with vitreous luster and prominent cleavage; monoclinic crystals, Mohs hardness 6.5–7, specific gravity about 3.1–3.2. The photo suggests a rough crystal, but color alone cannot confirm the variety or exclude another pale gem mineral.

Identified September 29, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Lithium-bearing pegmatites crystallize spodumene from slowly cooling, silica-rich magma; these deposits are mainly Precambrian to younger. The reported Lesotho-area location makes local pegmatite minerals plausible, but does not establish provenance.

Uses & applications

Spodumene is an important lithium ore; transparent, well-colored material may be faceted or collected, though this specimen appears fractured and likely of modest gem quality.

Geological facts

Kunzite is pink-to-violet spodumene and hiddenite is green spodumene; pale yellow-green pieces are not reliably named by color alone.

Field identification & locations

Check for elongated, flattened crystal habit and two nearly perpendicular, strong cleavage directions; identification may require hardness, density, and gemological testing. Spodumene occurs in pegmatites worldwide, including southern African pegmatite districts.