mineral

Pink-purple rough mineral specimen (possibly lepidolite-bearing mica)

Lepidolite, a lithium-rich mica; identification is uncertain from the photo

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pink to lilac with silvery reflective flakes and uneven fracture; likely Mohs 2.5–4, with a pearly luster and platy cleavage. Crystal structure and density cannot be confirmed visually.

Identified September 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Pink to lilac with silvery reflective flakes and uneven fracture; likely Mohs 2.5–4, with a pearly luster and platy cleavage. Crystal structure and density cannot be confirmed visually.

Formation & geological history

Lepidolite forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites as magma cools and concentrates rare elements, commonly during the late stages of crystallization. Such pegmatites are typically Precambrian to geologically recent in age.

Uses & applications

Lepidolite has been mined as a lithium source and is collected as a colorful mineral; attractive material may be used decoratively, but this piece is too small and rough to assess for jewelry use.

Geological facts

Lepidolite’s pink-lilac color is associated with trace manganese, and its mica sheets can split into thin flakes.

Field identification & locations

Look for a pearly sheen and layers that peel or flake; confirm with a hardness and cleavage test or mineral analysis, since several minerals can appear similar. Lepidolite occurs in pegmatites, including deposits in Brazil, the United States, and Madagascar.