mineral
Lepidolite
Lepidolite (K(Li,Al)3(Si,Al)4O10(F,OH)2)
Hardness: 2.5-3.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, lilac, rose, or purplish-gray; Luster: Pearly to vitreous; Crystal system: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Perfect basal (peels in flexible flakes/sheets); Specific gravity: 2.8-2.9.
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Pink, lilac, rose, or purplish-gray
- Luster
- Pearly to vitreous
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: Pink, lilac, rose, or purplish-gray; Luster: Pearly to vitreous; Crystal system: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Perfect basal (peels in flexible flakes/sheets); Specific gravity: 2.8-2.9.
Formation & geological history
Formed in granitic pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and occasionally in high-grade metamorphic rocks as a product of lithium-rich magmatic fluids cooling at late stages.
Uses & applications
Major ore of lithium used in batteries and electronics, glass manufacturing, decorative carvings, and as a popular mineral specimen for collectors.
Geological facts
Lepidolite is the most common lithium-bearing mineral. Its name comes from the Greek word 'lepidos' meaning scale, referencing its scaly cleavage flakes.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive lilac-to-pink color, soft flaky scaly appearance, and pearly luster. Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, USA (California, Maine), and Zimbabwe.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
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