Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
monoclinicuncommonSilicates (Phyllosilicates, Mica Group)
Lepidolite
K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si)4O10(F,OH)2
A large specimen of lepidolite displaying its characteristic purple to lilac color, forming a mass of platy, micaceous crystals.
Lepidolite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
2.5Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
pearlyStreak Color
whiteCleavage
perfect basal (001)Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
2.85Colors
lilac, pink, purple, grayish, whiteTransparency
translucentType Locality
Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, BrazilMineral Group
Silicates (Phyllosilicates, Mica Group)Uses
source of lithium, ornamental stone, collectorAssociated Minerals
quartz, feldspar, tourmaline, spodumene, berylRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Lepidolite typically forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites, often associated with other lithium-bearing minerals and sometimes in high-temperature hydrothermal veins.
