Lepidolite
Lepidolite · Mineral Specimen and Semi-Precious Decorative Stone
Crystal System
Monoclinic; typically found in massive, fine-grained, or scaly aggregates, and occasionally as pseudohexagonal tabular crystals
Mineral Group
Silicates, specifically Phyllosilicates (mica group)
Chemical Formula
K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,Rb)4O10(F,OH)2
Formation Process
Pegmatitic and hydrothermal formation, crystallizing from late-stage volatile- and lithium-rich granitic magmas under high-temperature and pressure conditions
About This Crystal
A tumbled, smooth, oval-shaped specimen exhibiting a deep purplish-pink to magenta color. It is opaque to translucent with a pearly to sub-vitreous luster, showing subtle mottled variations in shade and minor lighter speckling typical of lithium-mica aggregates
Physical Characteristics
Color ranges from pink, purple, to lilac-grey; streak is white; perfect basal cleavage in one direction yielding flexible thin flakes; uneven fracture; specific gravity is approximately 2.8 to 2.9; tenacity is brittle in massive form but elastic in thin cleavage sheets; non-magnetic
Optical Properties
Biaxial negative with refractive indices ranging around nalpha = 1.530-1.540, nbeta = 1.560-1.570, ngamma = 1.565-1.578; shows weak to moderate pleochroism in shades of pink and colorless; doubly refractive with distinct birefringence
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Notable sources include Brazil, Madagascar, the United States (California), Russia, and Canada; typically forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites and high-temperature quartz veins
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 4; low toughness due to perfect cleavage and soft nature; poor wearability for high-impact jewelry like rings; easily scratched by a copper penny or knife
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft cloth and warm soapy water; avoid harsh chemical cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam; store separately away from harder stones to prevent scratching; sensitive to prolonged direct sunlight which may cause fading
Rarity & Value
Common to uncommon mineral species, but high-quality large crystal masses are valued by collectors; price is generally affordable for tumbled pocket stones, scaling higher for large specific mineral specimens; typically untreated
Special Characteristics
High lithium content which gives it its characteristic pink-to-purple coloration; notable member of the mica family known for its micaceous cleavage and association with other rare-element pegmatite minerals like tourmaline and spodumene
Lore & History
Discovered in the 19th century and initially named lilalite before being renamed lepidolite from the Greek word 'lepidos' meaning scale; widely used in modern crystal healing traditions as a stone of transition, emotional healing, and stress relief, commonly associated with the third eye and crown chakras