mineral
Lepidolite
K(Li,Al)_3(Si,Al)_4O_10(F,OH)_2 (Lithium-bearing Mica)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 2.5–3.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Lilac, pink, purple, to greyish-white with a silvery sparkle. Luster: Pearly to vitreous. Crystal structure: Monoclinic (typically forms micaceous, flaky, or fine-grained aggregates). Cleavage: Perfect basal cleavage.
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Lilac, pink, purple, to greyish-white with a silvery sparkle
- Luster
- Pearly to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.5–3.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Lilac, pink, purple, to greyish-white with a silvery sparkle. Luster: Pearly to vitreous. Crystal structure: Monoclinic (typically forms micaceous, flaky, or fine-grained aggregates). Cleavage: Perfect basal cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed in granitic pegmatites during late-stage crystallization where lithium is concentrated. It often occurs alongside other lithium minerals like spodumene, petalite, and tourmaline.
Uses & applications
Major industrial source of lithium, used in rechargeable batteries, ceramics, and glass manufacturing. Also widely carved into decorative items, tumbled for jewelry, and collected as mineral specimens.
Geological facts
Lepidolite was originally named 'lilalite' from the Greek word for lilac, before being renamed lepidolite from 'lepidos', meaning scale, due to its scaly, micaceous appearance.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive lilac-to-purple color combined with a flaky, pearly micaceous texture that easily sparkles under light. Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, Australia, and the USA (California, Maine).
