mineral
Lepidolite
K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,V)4O10(F,OH)2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 2.5-4 on Mohs scale, pink to lilac-purple color, pearly luster, monoclinic crystal system, perfect basal cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness 2.5-4 on Mohs scale, pink to lilac-purple color, pearly luster, monoclinic crystal system, perfect basal cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites and high-temperature hydrothermal veins through crystallization of volatile-rich melts.
Uses & applications
Primary ore of the rare alkali metal lithium, and widely sought by mineral collectors as tumbling or cabochon material.
Geological facts
Lepidolite is known as a mica mineral and often naturally coexists with other lithium minerals like tourmaline and spodumene.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinct lilac-purple color, micaceous flaky habit, and flexible cleavage sheets; found globally in pegmatite-rich regions like Brazil, Madagascar, and the US.
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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