mineral

Lepidolite

K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,3O10)(F,OH)2

Hardness of 2.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, pink to purple or lilac color, pearly to vitreous luster, monoclinic crystal system, perfect basal cleavage, and specific gravity of 2.8 to 2.9.

Identified July 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness of 2.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, pink to purple or lilac color, pearly to vitreous luster, monoclinic crystal system, perfect basal cleavage, and specific gravity of 2.8 to 2.9.

Formation & geological history

Forms in granite pegmatites, high-temperature quartz veins, and hydrothermal deposits, often associated with other lithium-bearing minerals like spodumene and tourmaline.

Uses & applications

A primary ore of the alkali metal lithium, used in specialized glass and ceramics, and valued by collectors and lapidaries for carved ornamental objects.

Geological facts

Lepidolite is one of the few abundant sources of lithium and typically gets its distinctive lilac-pink color from trace amounts of manganese.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its characteristic pink-to-purple color, micaceous flaky habit, and perfect cleavage sheets. Found globally in places like Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, and Russia.