mineral

Lepidolite

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

Hardness: 2.5-4 (Mohs); Color: Lilac, violet, pink, or gray; Luster: Pearly to vitreous; Crystal structure: Monoclinic (often massive or micaceous); Cleavage: Perfect basal.

Hardness: 2
Color: Lilac, violet, pink, or gray
Luster: Pearly to vitreous

Identified July 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.5-4 (Mohs); Color: Lilac, violet, pink, or gray; Luster: Pearly to vitreous; Crystal structure: Monoclinic (often massive or micaceous); Cleavage: Perfect basal.

Formation & geological history

Forms in granite pegmatites and high-temperature hydrothermal veins. It is a secondary mineral commonly associated with other lithium-bearing minerals like spodumene and tourmaline.

Uses & applications

Mainly used as a source of lithium for glass making, enamel, and rechargeable batteries. Also popular in jewelry (cabochons) and as a decorative or metaphysical stone.

Geological facts

Lepidolite is one of the major sources of the rare alkali metals rubidium and cesium. Its name is derived from the Greek word 'lepidos', meaning scale, referring to its micaceous structure.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its purple to pink hue and its tendency to flake off in thin, mica-like sheets. Found commonly in Brazil, Canada, Madagascar, and the USA (California and Maine).