igneous
Pink-purple mica-bearing rock, likely lepidolite-rich pegmatite
Lepidolite (K(Li,Al)₃(Al,Si,Rb)₄O₁₀(F,OH)₂), likely with quartz and feldspar
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectPale lilac to mauve, pearly-glassy sparkle, with platy mica crystals and perfect basal cleavage; lepidolite hardness is about 2.5–4 Mohs. The image suggests a coarse, mica-rich specimen, but composition cannot be confirmed visually.
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
Pale lilac to mauve, pearly-glassy sparkle, with platy mica crystals and perfect basal cleavage; lepidolite hardness is about 2.5–4 Mohs. The image suggests a coarse, mica-rich specimen, but composition cannot be confirmed visually.
Formation & geological history
Lepidolite typically crystallizes in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites as late-stage magma cools; these deposits are generally Precambrian to younger, depending on locality.
Uses & applications
Collected as a mineral specimen and historically mined as a lithium source; attractive pieces may be used in beads or ornamental objects.
Geological facts
Lepidolite is a lithium-bearing mica and can contain rubidium and fluorine. Its flaky sheets and lilac color are characteristic, though color alone is not diagnostic.
Field identification & locations
Look for soft, glittering lilac flakes that split into thin sheets, commonly alongside quartz and feldspar in pegmatites. Occurs in pegmatite districts such as Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States.
