mineral

Lepidolite

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

Hardness: 2.5 - 4 on the Mohs scale. Color: Pink, purple, lilac, grey-white. Luster: Pearly to vitreous. Crystal structure: Monoclinic, typically found in scaly or micaceous masses. Cleavage: Perfect in one direction. Specific gravity: 2.8 - 2.9.

Hardness: 2
Color: Pink, purple, lilac, grey-white
Luster: Pearly to vitreous

Identified July 29, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites, high-temperature quartz veins, and greisens. Often associated with other lithium minerals like spodumene and tourmaline.

Uses & applications

Primary ore of the alkali metal lithium; used in the manufacture of special glasses and ceramics; occasionally cut into cabochons or collected as mineral specimens.

Geological facts

Lepidolite is known as a 'source of lithium' and is easily recognized by its distinctive lilac or pink color and mica-like flaky habit, containing notable amounts of the rare element rubidium as well.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its soft, micaceous sheets and distinctive pink-to-purple hue, commonly located in pegmatite mining regions worldwide such as Brazil, Madagascar, the USA, and Russia.