Spodumene
On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, spodumene measures 6.5-7. It is produced within granitic pegmatite in areas where there is higher concentration of the element lithium. It has a beautiful luster and transparent spodumene can be used to produce gemstones. Pink to bluish purple spodumene is also called kunzite. There are three specimens on display, all from Afghanistan. Among them, one is made up of long columnar crystals with a length of 45 centimeters and weight of 6.1 kilograms. There are obvious vertical lines along the crystal face. Purple and transparent, this is a rare specimen. Another possesses light purple, flat, columnar crystals and weighs approximately 500 grams. The light yellow associated mineral is stilbite. The third specimen is a deep purple faceted stone of 59.46 carats.
