Lithium is a chemical element with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. It is a soft, silvery-white metal that belongs to the alkali metal group of elements. In nature, lithium is commonly found in the form of various silicate minerals. One of the most important lithium-bearing silicate minerals is spodumene.

Spodumene:
- Spodumene is a pyroxene mineral that contains lithium. It has the chemical formula LiAl(SiO3)2 and is a major source of lithium.
- It is typically found in granitic pegmatites, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks. These pegmatites often contain high concentrations of lithium.
- Spodumene occurs in a range of colors, including colorless, white, gray, yellow, green, and pink. The pink variety is also known as kunzite.
- It has a monoclinic crystal structure and is characterized by its prismatic or tabular shape.
- The mineral has a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively hard compared to other minerals.
- In addition to lithium, spodumene can also contain aluminum, silicon, and oxygen.

Other Lithium-Bearing Minerals:
- While spodumene is the most important lithium-bearing silicate mineral, there are also other minerals that contain lithium.
- One such mineral is lepidolite, which is a mica mineral that contains lithium, aluminum, and potassium. It is often found in granite pegmatites.
- Another lithium-bearing mineral is petalite, which has the chemical formula LiAl(Si4O10). It is also found in pegmatites and is often associated with spodumene.

Importance of Lithium:
- Lithium is an important element due to its use in various industries. One of the main applications of lithium is in rechargeable batteries, which are used in electronic devices, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage.
- Lithium is also used in the production of ceramics, glass, lubricants, and pharmaceuticals.
- The growing demand for lithium-ion batteries in recent years has led to increased exploration and mining of lithium-bearing minerals, including spodumene.

In conclusion, the silicate mineral of lithium is spodumene. It is a lithium-bearing pyroxene mineral that is commonly found in granitic pegmatites. Spodumene is an important source of lithium, which is used in rechargeable batteries and various other industries.

Correct Ans is C) Spodumene