mineral
Lepidolite
K(Li,Al)3(Si,Al)4O10(F,OH)2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 2.5-4 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, purple, lilac-gray; Luster: Pearly to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic, typically found in scaly or micaceous masses; Cleavage: Perfect basal; Specific Gravity: 2.8-2.9
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Pink, purple, lilac-gray
- Luster
- Pearly to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.5-4 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, purple, lilac-gray; Luster: Pearly to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic, typically found in scaly or micaceous masses; Cleavage: Perfect basal; Specific Gravity: 2.8-2.9
Formation & geological history
Forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites, high-temperature hydrothermal veins, and greisens.
Uses & applications
Primary ore of the alkali metal lithium; used in specialty glass and ceramics; occasionally cut into cabochons or collected as a mineral specimen.
Geological facts
Lepidolite is one of the few significant mineral sources of lithium. Because it is a lithium mica, it often occurs alongside other lithium-bearing minerals like tourmaline and spodumene.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic lilac-pink to purple color and mica-like flaky, micaceous habit with perfect basal cleavage. Found globally in pegmatite-rich regions such as Brazil, Madagascar, the USA (California), and Russia.
