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 a phyllosilicate within the micas group.
Chemical Formula
K(Li,Al)3(Si,Al)4O10(F,OH)2
Formation Process
Hydrothermal and pegmatitic processes, crystallizing from late-stage residual melts that are enriched in lithium, potassium, and volatiles like fluorine.
About This Crystal
The specimen is a polished rectangular slab exhibiting a mottled mix of rich purple, lilac, and white patches, showcasing lepidolite's characteristically scaly or micaceous texture embedded within a matrix that includes small reflective crystalline areas and distinct dark rounded inclusions.
Physical Characteristics
Color ranges from lilac-rose, violet, to grayish-white; streak is white; perfect basal cleavage in one direction yielding thin, flexible flakes; uneven to flat conchoidal fracture; specific gravity is approximately 2.8 to 2.9; tenacity is sectile and elastic in thin sheets; generally non-fluorescent.
Optical Properties
Biaxial (-) with refractive indices around n_alpha = 1.530-1.548, n_beta = 1.560-1.585, n_gamma = 1.565-1.587; moderate birefringence; weak pleochroism in shades of pink and colorless.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Notable sources include Brazil, Madagascar, the United States (California), Russia, and Sweden. It typically forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 3; poor durability due to perfect cleavage and softness, making it fragile and sensitive to scratching and pressure; not generally recommended for everyday jewelry without protective settings.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft cloth and warm soapy water; avoid ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight which can cause fading; store separately to prevent scratching from harder stones.
Rarity & Value
Common as a mineral specimen and ore of lithium; polished slabs and carvings are widely available at affordable to moderate price ranges depending on size, color saturation, and absence of fractures.
Special Characteristics
Contains significant amounts of lithium, giving it a distinctive pink-to-purple coloration; often associated with other lithium minerals like tourmaline and spodumene; exhibits micaceous flexibility in individual flakes.
Lore & History
Discovered and named lepidolite (from the Greek 'lepidos' meaning scale) in the 19th century. In crystal healing lore, it is often referred to as a 'stone of transition' and is traditionally associated with the third eye and crown chakras, believed to help alleviate stress and emotional trauma (note: these are traditional beliefs and not scientific claims).