Spodumene

Spodumene can be considered a lithium feldspar. That means that this material is a good source of lithium in both clay bodies and glazes. Spodumene contains a natural combination of silica, alumina, and lithium, which means that it melts a bit more readily than lithium carbonate. In glazes, spodumene can lend itself to the development of copper-blue toned glazes and promote a matte surface. In clay bodies, spodumene is used as a replacement for feldspar (though it is technically a feldspar). This additive reduces the vitrification temperature required for a body to mature, and also cuts down on shrinkage.