mineral

Blue Lepidolite

Lepidolite (K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,Rb)4O10(F,OH)2)

Hardness: 2.5-3 (Mohs scale), Color: Lilac to violet-blue, Luster: Vitreous to pearly, Crystal structure: Monoclinic (usually micaceous or massive), Cleavage: Perfect basal (peels in flakes), Specific Gravity: 2.8-2.9

Hardness: 2

Identified April 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Found in lithium-bearing granite pegmatites. Formed by late-stage magmatic processes where lithium becomes concentrated. Most specimens are from the Phanerozoic eon.

Uses & applications

Industrial source of lithium and rubidium; used in glass making and ceramics. Frequently used as a lapidary material for carvings, beads, and as ornamental display pieces.

Geological facts

Lepidolite is the most common lithium-bearing mineral. It is often found associated with other pegmatite minerals like tourmaline, quartz, and spodumene. Its name is derived from the Greek 'lepidos' for scale, referring to its scaly appearance.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its characteristic lilac/blue color and soft, micaceous (peely) structure. Common locations include Brazil, Russia (Ural Mountains), USA (California, Maine), and Madagascar. Look for it in high-grade pegmatite zones.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral