Spodumene is the LiAlSi₂O₆ pyroxene and one of the principal hard-rock sources of lithium. It does not use the same preparation route as lithium brines.
- Formula / structure
- LiAlSi₂O₆
- Ore role
- Major hard-rock lithium mineral
- Preparation focus
- Liberation from pegmatite gangue and size control
What is Spodumene and how does it occur in ore?
Spodumene occurs in granitic pegmatites with quartz, feldspar, mica and sometimes beryl, tantalite or cesium minerals. Crystal size and pegmatite zoning can strongly affect sample behaviour.
Why are spodumene and lithium brines separate processing topics?
Spodumene is a solid hard-rock mineral and may require crushing, grinding, sizing and physical beneficiation. Brine resources do not involve liberation of a solid ore mineral in the same way.
Which behaviour matters during ore preparation?
Coarse spodumene crystals can create opportunities for selective breakage or preconcentration, while fine intergrowths may require controlled grinding. A fixed grind should not be chosen without pegmatite-specific testing.
Feldspar and mica surface properties can affect downstream flotation. Grinding water and surface condition should therefore be controlled during testwork.
Which inputs should be verified?
- Spodumene crystal size
- Quartz-feldspar-mica association
- Lithium mineralogy and accessory minerals
- Liberation size
- Preconcentration and flotation feed requirements
