Lepidolite in Quartz with Rubellite
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide) and Lithian Mica (Lepidolite) with Tourmaline var. Rubellite · Mineral Specimen / Decorative Stone
Crystal System
Monoclinic (Lepidolite), Trigonal/Hexagonal (Quartz and Rubellite); Habits include massive, micaceous aggregates, and granular veins.
Mineral Group
Silicates; Subgroups: Tectosilicates (Quartz), Phyllosilicates (Lepidolite), and Cyclosilicates (Rubellite).
Chemical Formula
SiO2 (Quartz) + K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,Rb)4O10(F,OH)2 (Lepidolite) + Na(Li,Al)3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 (Rubellite)
Formation Process
Igneous/Pegmatitic formation; crystallizes from residual lithium-rich silicate melts during the late stages of magma cooling.
About This Crystal
A composite rock showing milky white quartz matrix interspersed with lavender-to-purple lepidolite scales and small pink-red inclusions of rubellite tourmaline. The luster varies from vitreous on quartz surfaces to pearly on mica flakes.
Physical Characteristics
Color: White, purple, and pink. Streak: White. Cleavage: Perfect basal on mica portions. Specific Gravity: 2.6–3.0. Fluorescence: Lepidolite and rubellite can occasionally show weak cream or pink under UV.
Optical Properties
Biaxial (Lepidolite) and Uniaxial (Quartz/Tourmaline). High birefringence in mica segments; often exhibits a shimmering 'glitter' effect from mica cleavage planes.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Commonly sourced from Minas Gerais, Brazil, as well as Madagascar and California, USA. Found in granitic pegmatites.
Hardness & Durability
Variable; Quartz is Mohs 7, while Lepidolite is soft (2.5–3). The material is brittle and prone to flaking or crumbling at the mica contact points.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water only; avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Handle gently to prevent flaking of mica. Store away from harder minerals that could scratch the soft purple areas.
Rarity & Value
Relatively common in pegmatitic regions. Value is determined by the vibrancy of the purple color and the presence of distinct pink tourmaline crystals. Generally affordable.
Special Characteristics
The presence of lithium gives the lepidolite its characteristic lilac color; the specimen features heterogeneous mineral mixing typical of late-stage pegmatite minerals.
Lore & History
Historically recognized as a source of lithium. In metaphysical lore, lepidolite is known as the 'stone of transition' and is associated with the Heart and Third Eye chakras for emotional balance.