Hiddenite

Hiddenite is the green gem variety of the mineral Spodumene. Spodumene is a common mineral, but only in several localities does it occur in transparent gem form. One gem form of Spodumene is Kunzite, the other important and much rarer form is Hiddenite. Hiddenite is named after William Earl Hidden, who was instrumental in identifying this new gemstone. The town in North Carolina where this gemstone was found was subsequently given the name "Hiddenite" in honor of the gemstone.

Chemical Formula	LiAlSi2O6
Color	Green
Hardness	6.5Â -Â 7
Crystal System	Monoclinic
Refractive Index	1.66Â -Â 1.68
SG	3.1Â -Â 3.2
Transparency	Transparent
Double Refraction	.015
Luster	Vitreous
Cleavage	1,2 - prismatic
Mineral Class	Spodumene