Lepidolite
Image: Anastasia Prisunko (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameLepidolite
Chemical FormulaK(Li,Al)3(Al,Si)4O10(F,OH)2
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lusterpearly
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect basal (one direction)
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.8
Colorspink, purple, lilac, gray, white
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityMadagascar
Mineral Groupphyllosilicates
Usessource of lithium, ornamental stone, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, feldspar, tourmaline, spodumene, beryl
Rarityuncommon
Description
The image shows a rough, granular aggregate of purplish-pink lepidolite, likely with some associated matrix minerals, resting on a white foam pad.
Geological Context
Lepidolite is a lithium-rich mica mineral that typically forms in highly evolved granitic pegmatites, aplites, and high-temperature hydrothermal veins during the late stages of magmatic crystallization.
