By Chisom Ibemere
Amblygonite originated in Saxony, Germany in 1817. The name ‘amblygonite’ is derived from the Greek words ‘amblys’, which means obtuse, and ‘gonia’, which means angle. This refers to the four angles of cleavage the mineral possesses. This is due to the angle between the crystal faces is a little more than 90 degrees, making it relatively flat.
Amblygonite occurs in granitic pegmatites and lithium-rich granite areas. Amblygonite deposits have been found in Nigeria which are usually found in pegmatite rocks, and some of the largest and most economically viable deposits are found in Brazil and Madagascar.
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Amblygonite is basically used in the production of rare metals, ceramics, and lithium-ion batteries. It is an important commercial source of lithium and is used to produce lithium salts, which are used in the manufacture of high-capacity batteries.
Amblygonite is also used in the production of ceramic glazes, as it acts as a flux, making the glazes more transparent and helping to lower the melting point. It is also used as a gemstone and as a mineral specimen by collectors.
Amblygonite is a phosphate mineral. It has a colour range of white, greyish-white, yellow, brownish-yellow, and greenish-yellow. It has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5, which makes it hard enough to be used as a gemstone. It has a specific gravity of 2.96 to 3.07 and has a vitreous to resinous lustre.
The value of amblygonite depends on its quality and quantity. High-quality amblygonite is valued and highly prized. However, for its use in the production of lithium-ion batteries, amblygonite is measured by its lithium content per ton.
