Teradora

Spodumene

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV (retired)
Published: June 2014
Modified: September 2023
Teradora Polished

Teredora™ is a trade name for Triphane or Yellow Spodumene. The stones are mined from Afghanistan and Brazil. Prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light will cause the color to fade. Stones are difficult to facet due to perfect cleavage.

General Information

Common Name
Teradora
Species
Spodumene
Dispersion
Strength: Weak Fire Value: 0.017
Refractive Index
1.660-1.676 Tolerance: (+0.005/-0.005)
Birefringence
0.014- 0.016
Optic Character
Biaxial
Optic Sign
Positive
Polariscope Reaction
Doubly Refractive (DR)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Inert
LWUV: Inert
Pleochroism
Trichroic, Various shades of body color if visible
Hardness
6.5-7
Streak
White
Specific Gravity
3.150-3.210 Typical:3.180
Toughness
Poor
Inclusions
TeredoraTM is a type I clarity stone. Stones might contain growth and etch tubes, healing cracks, liquid and multi-phase inclusions.
Luster
Vitreous
Fracture
Uneven, Splintery
Cleavage
Perfect, in two directions
Chemical Name
lithium aluminum silicate
Chemical Formula
LiAlSi2O6
Crystal System
Monoclinic
Chemistry Classification
Silicate

Teradora Colors

  • Yellow Teradora
    Yellow

Alternate Names

Triphane, Yellow Spodumene

Countries of Origin

Afghanistan; Unknown; United States of America; Brazil

Care

Gentle care. Prolonged exposure to light, especially UV and sunlight, will cause fading. Some stones cleave or fracture easily. Wear with care.