mineral
Lepidolite
K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,Rb)4O10(F,OH)2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 2.5-4 on Mohs scale, pink to purple-violet color, pearly to vitreous luster, monoclinic crystal system, perfect basal cleavage, and specific gravity around 2.8-2.9.
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Physical properties
Hardness 2.5-4 on Mohs scale, pink to purple-violet color, pearly to vitreous luster, monoclinic crystal system, perfect basal cleavage, and specific gravity around 2.8-2.9.
Formation & geological history
Forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites, high-temperature hydrothermal veins, and greisens through late-stage crystallization of magmatic fluids.
Uses & applications
Primary ore of lithium used in ceramics, glass manufacturing, and specialty batteries, as well as valued as a mineral specimen for collectors.
Geological facts
Lepidolite is a lithium-bearing mica mineral that often occurs alongside tourmaline and spodumene in complex pegmatite systems.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive lilac or pink-violet color and mica-like flaky cleavage sheets; commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA.
