Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SPOD'U-MENE, n. [Gr. σποδοω, to reduce to ashes.]

A mineral, called by Haüy triphane. It occurs in laminated masses, easily divisible into prisms with rhomboidal bases; the lateral faces smooth, shining and pearly; the cross fracture uneven and splintery. Before the blowpipe it exfoliates into little yellowish or grayish scales; whence its name. – Cleaveland.