mineral

Lepidolite

K(Li,Al)_3(Si,Al)_4O_10(F,OH)_2 (Lithium-bearing Mica)

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.

Hardness: 2
Color: Lilac, pink, purple, to greyish-white with a silvery sparkle
Luster: Pearly to vitreous

Identified July 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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).

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust

Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)

sedimentary

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

mineral

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock