mineral

Lepidolite

Lepidolite (K(Li,Al)3(Si,Al)4O10(F,OH)2)

Hardness: 2.5-3.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Pink, purplish-pink, lavender, or magenta. Luster: Pearly to vitreous, often fine-grained or micaceous. Crystal structure: Monoclinic, typically forming scaly aggregates or micaceous flakes.

Hardness: 2
Color: Pink, purplish-pink, lavender, or magenta
Luster: Pearly to vitreous, often fine-grained or micaceous

Identified July 25, 2026More mineral →

Explore Lepidolite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in lithium-bearing granitic pegmatites during late-stage crystallization of igneous magmas. Often associated with quartz, feldspar, tourmaline, and spodumene.

Uses & applications

Major source of lithium used in batteries and electronics. Popular in lapidary arts, decorative carvings, beads, cabochons, and as a metaphysical collector specimen.

Geological facts

Lepidolite is the most abundant lithium-bearing mineral. Its name is derived from the Greek 'lepidos' meaning scale, referring to its scaly micaceous structure.

Field identification & locations

Look for a lilac-pink to purple fine-grained scaly texture with a silvery shimmer. It is soft enough to scratch with a copper coin or fingernail. Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, and the USA (California, Maine).