mineral
Lepidolite
K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,IV)4O10(F,OH)2
Mohs hardness of 2.5-4, pink to purple or lilac color, pearly to vitreous luster, monoclinic crystal system, perfect basal cleavage, specific gravity around 2.8-2.9
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 2.5-4, pink to purple or lilac color, pearly to vitreous luster, monoclinic crystal system, perfect basal cleavage, specific gravity around 2.8-2.9
Formation & geological history
Forms in granite pegmatites and high-temperature quartz veins, often associated with other lithium-bearing minerals like tourmaline and spodumene
Uses & applications
Primary source of the alkali metal lithium, used in glass and ceramic manufacturing, and popular as a mineral specimen for collectors
Geological facts
Lepidolite is a lithium mica and is one of the few minerals that is a significant source of lithium, glowing with a bright crimson color in a flame test due to the lithium content
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinctive lilac-pink color, micaceous flaky habit, and association with pegmatites; commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, and the USA
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Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
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