mineral
Lepidolite
K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,Rb)4O10(F,OH)2
Hardness: 2.5-3.5 on Mohs scale. Color: lilac, purple, rose-pink. Luster: vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Monoclinic. Perfect basal cleavage. Specific gravity: 2.8–2.9.
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- lilac, purple, rose-pink
- Luster
- vitreous to pearly
Identified More mineral →
Explore Lepidolite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 2.5-3.5 on Mohs scale. Color: lilac, purple, rose-pink. Luster: vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Monoclinic. Perfect basal cleavage. Specific gravity: 2.8–2.9.
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily in granitic pegmatites during the final stages of magmatic crystallization, often associated with other lithium-bearing minerals like spodumene or tourmaline.
Uses & applications
Major source of lithium used in batteries and glass production. Also used as an ornamental stone, for carving, and in jewelry as cabochons or tumbled stones.
Geological facts
Lepidolite is known as a 'stone of transition' in metaphysical circles. It contains the highest levels of rubidium of any mineral and was first discovered in the 18th century.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its distinct lilac color and micaceous (flakey) structure. It is soft enough to be scratched by a copper coin. Found often in Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA (California/Maine).
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic