mineral
Lepidolite
Lepidolite (K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,Rb)4O10(F,OH)2)
Hardness: 2.5-3.5 (Mohs); Color: Pink, lilac, purplish-gray; Luster: Pearly to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Perfect basal; Specific Gravity: 2.8-2.9
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Pink, lilac, purplish-gray
- Luster
- Pearly to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.5-3.5 (Mohs); Color: Pink, lilac, purplish-gray; Luster: Pearly to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Perfect basal; Specific Gravity: 2.8-2.9
Formation & geological history
Formed in granitic pegmatites during late-stage hydrothermal crystallization. It is a secondary lithium-bearing mineral often associated with tourmaline, spodumene, and quartz.
Uses & applications
Primary source of lithium; used in glass and ceramic manufacturing to increase heat resistance; also popular as a lapidary material for ornaments and metaphysical 'healing' stones.
Geological facts
Lepidolite contains the rare alkali metal rubidium and is one of the most common sources for this element. Its name is derived from the Greek word 'lepidos' for scale, referring to its micaceous, scaly structure.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinct purplish hue and micaceous (flakey) structure. It is soft and can be scratched by a copper coin. Commonly found in Brazil, Russia, Canada, and the USA (California/Maine).
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sedimentary
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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