mineral

Lepidolite with Rubellite Tourmaline

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

Hardness: 2.5-3.5 (Lepidolite), 7-7.5 (Tourmaline); Color: Lilac to pinkish-grey with dark inclusions; Luster: Pearly to Vitreous; Crystal system: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Perfect basal

Hardness: 2
Color: Lilac to pinkish-grey with dark inclusions
Luster: Pearly to Vitreous

Identified May 19, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 2.5-3.5 (Lepidolite), 7-7.5 (Tourmaline); Color: Lilac to pinkish-grey with dark inclusions; Luster: Pearly to Vitreous; Crystal system: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Perfect basal

Formation & geological history

Formed in rare-metal granitic pegmatites during late-stage hydrothermal crystallization, often associated with lithium-enriched environments and high concentrations of volatile elements.

Uses & applications

Used as a secondary source of lithium; widely used in jewelry (cabochons), as decorative stones, and in metaphysical collecting.

Geological facts

Lepidolite is primarily a mica mineral and is one of the major sources of the rare alkali metals rubidium and cesium. It often contains inclusions of pink/purple tourmaline, also known as rubellite.

Field identification & locations

Identify by the characteristic lilac/purple color, pearly mica-like luster, and lack of reaction to acid. Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA (California/Maine).

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

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

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral