mineral
Lepidolite
K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,3O10)(F,OH)2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectLepidolite is a potassium lithium aluminum phyllosilicate mineral with a Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 4. It typically exhibits a lilac, violet, or rose-pink color with a pearly to vitreous luster and a monoclinic crystal system.
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Physical properties
Lepidolite is a potassium lithium aluminum phyllosilicate mineral with a Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 4. It typically exhibits a lilac, violet, or rose-pink color with a pearly to vitreous luster and a monoclinic crystal system.
Formation & geological history
It forms in granite pegmatites and high-temperature quartz veins where lithium and other rare elements concentrate during late-stage crystallization.
Uses & applications
Lepidolite is a primary ore source of the rare alkali metal lithium and is widely used for crystal healing, ornamental carvings, and jewelry.
Geological facts
Due to its high lithium content, lepidolite is often associated with other lithium-bearing minerals like tourmaline and spodumene. It was originally named lilalite because of its lavender color before being renamed.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinct purple-pink color and micaceous, flaky cleavage. It is commonly sourced from Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, and Russia.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous