mineral

Lepidolite on Quartz

K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,Rb)4O10(F,OH)2 (Lepidolite) / SiO2 (Quartz)

Hardness: 2.5-3.5 (Lepidolite) and 7 (Quartz). Color: Pale lilac, pink, or purple flakes on a white/clear matrix. Luster: Pearly to vitreous. Crystal structure: Monoclinic (sheets) and Trigonal. Cleavage: Perfect micaceous cleavage.

Hardness: 2
Color: Pale lilac, pink, or purple flakes on a white/clear matrix
Luster: Pearly to vitreous

Identified July 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in granitic pegmatites during the late stages of magmatic crystallization. It is a lithium-rich mica that occurs where rare elements are concentrated by hydrothermal fluids.

Uses & applications

A major source of lithium used in batteries, glass-making, and ceramics. Also popular for metaphysical collecting and occasionally used as an ornamental stone.

Geological facts

Lepidolite is one of the major source minerals for the rare alkali metals rubidium and caesium. It was originally named 'lilalite' because of its lavender color before being renamed from the Greek 'lepidos' for scale.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its lilac-to-pink color and micaceous, flaky 'books' of crystals that can be peeled with a fingernail. Commonly found in Brazil, Russia, California, and Zimbabwe.

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

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Granite

Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)

igneous