SPODUMENE

A mineral found in laminated ma es, hard, brittle, translucent, and of various shades of green or grey. It was first discovered at Utoe, in Sweden. It consists of silica and alumina, with 8 to 10 per cent, of lithia. Before the blowpipe, it exfoliates into little scales of an ash colour: hence its name, from a-vohvoj, to reduce to ashes. It is also called triphane. SPOLIATION, WRIT OF, in English Law, is obtained by one of the parties to a suit in the ecclesiastical courts suggesting that his adversary has wasted the fruits of a benefice, or received them to his prejudice. The suit founded on this writ lies for one incumbent against another, where they both claim by one patron, and the right of patronage is not in question. [s. 1153]