Lepidolite with Tourmaline
Lepidolite var. Lithian Mica with Schorl · Mineral Specimen and Collector Mineral
Crystal System
Monoclinic system, tabular to micaceous habit with prismatic tourmaline inclusions
Mineral Group
Silicates, specifically the Phyllosilicate group (Mica group)
Chemical Formula
K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,Rb)4O10(F,OH)2 with NaFe3+6AlB3Si6O27(OH)3
Formation Process
Pegmatitic formation, crystallizing from volatile-rich residual magmas in the late stages of granitic crystallization under high pressure and temperature
About This Crystal
This specimen is a coarse-grained rock matrix dominated by shimmering, purplish-pink lepidolite mica plates with a pearly luster, interspersed with dark, striated prismatic crystals of black tourmaline (schorl), displaying a rough, crystalline texture mounted on a display stand
Physical Characteristics
Color ranges from lilac pink, rose, and greyish-white for the mica to pitch black for the tourmaline; streak is white; perfect basal cleavage in one direction yielding extremely thin, flexible elastic sheets for the mica; uneven fracture; specific gravity around 2.8 to 2.9; brittle tenacity overall
Optical Properties
Biaxial (-) with refractive indices varying slightly around 1.530 to 1.600; strong pleochroism visible in oriented fragments; pearly to sub-metallic luster on cleavage faces
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Commonly found in pegmatite-rich regions such as Minas Gerais in Brazil, Madagascar, and various localities in the USA including California and Maine
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 3 for the lepidolite mica, making it very soft and easily scratched by a fingernail or copper coin, with very poor durability for jewelry use due to perfect cleavage and flakey nature
Care & Maintenance
Requires delicate handling to prevent flaking and shedding of mica layers; store away from moisture and direct sunlight; do not use ultrasonic cleaners, steam, or harsh chemicals; clean gently with a soft dry brush if necessary
Rarity & Value
Common to uncommon as a mineral specimen, highly valued by collectors when aesthetic combinations of pink lepidolite and black tourmaline crystals are present; generally affordable depending on size and structural integrity
Special Characteristics
Contains lithium-rich micas which can sometimes exhibit weak fluorescence, combined with embedded striated black tourmaline crystals forming natural matrix associations
Lore & History
Historically utilized as an important ore of lithium metal, lepidolite is widely used in modern crystal healing traditions as a stone of transition, emotional healing, and stress relief, traditionally associated with the heart and third eye chakras, though these remain non-scientific metaphysical beliefs