Lepidolite

Other Silicates & Gemstones

Lepidolite is a traditional field name for lithium-rich micas in the polylithionite-trilithionite series rather than one tightly defined mineral species. It has perfect mica cleavage and commonly occurs as scaly pink, lilac, or purple masses in granite pegmatites.

Identity

Material or variety: Lithium-rich mica
Scientific or material identity: Lepidolite (lithium mica)
Classification: Natural mineral or mineral variety
Composition or formula: K(Li,Al)₃(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(F,OH)₂
Crystal system or structure: Monoclinic
Geological or manufacturing origin: Can form in more than one geological environment, or combines several materials.
Mohs hardness: 2.5

Origins

Brazil · Canada · Madagascar · Russia · USA

Appearance & optical properties

lavender-pink mica with layered silvery plates.

History & discovery

Martin Heinrich Klaproth introduced the name lepidolite in 1792 from Greek words for scale and stone. In 1861, Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff processed a large quantity of lepidolite while identifying the new element rubidium.

Uses & care

Common uses: Lepidolite-bearing rock has been mined as an ore of lithium and rubidium. Flaky crystals are collected as specimens, while compact masses may be polished into beads, cabochons, or carvings.

Jewellery

5 pieces of Lepidolite jewellery. Learners earn each one in DigMyGem by learning words; until then it shows as a silhouette.

Lilac Mica Tiara
Tiara
A tiara of polished lepidolite cabochons in a framework of rose gold, their lilac colour threaded with the pale shimmer of mica. It was made as a mourning ornament for a queen who found black too heavy.
Lepidolite Calm Bracelet
Bracelet
A bracelet of rounded lepidolite beads, the stone called the bringer of calm because of the lithium it holds. It is worn as a quiet talisman in times of change.
Scale-Stone Brooch
Brooch
A brooch cut from a single lepidolite crystal so the layered mica plates fan out like the scales its Greek name describes. A diamond set at the centre catches the light the stone reflects.
Lilac Fan Ring
Ring
An imagined ring of lepidolite, a lilac mica whose tiny scales sparkle when the stone moves.
Lilac Scale Necklace
Necklace
An imagined necklace of overlapping lepidolite scales, a lilac mica that glitters in fine flakes.