mineral
Lepidolite
K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,Rb)4O10(F,OH)2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 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 More mineral →
Explore Lepidolite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 2.5-4 (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).
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining
Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides
mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous