LEPIDOLITE: Lepidolite (a series name), is a basic potassium lithium aluminum fluorosilicate of the mica group. It occurs in granite pegmatites as aggregates of thin, mica-like sheets and granular masses. Lepidolite is a former source of lithium and is widely collected for its distinctive, pale, pink-to-lilac colors.

LEPIDOLITE

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Lepidolite, pronounced leh-PIH-dough-lite, was recognized as a mineral species in 1792. Its name is derived from the Greek lepidos, meaning “scale,” referring to its scale-like or leaf-like crystal form. Lepidolite is collected in Brazil, Switzerland, Scotland, Japan, Russia, and the United States (South Dakota, New Mexico, Maine, Colorado, New Hampshire, North Carolina).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Lepidolite [potassium lithium aluminum fluorosilicate, KAl1.5Al1.5AlSi3O10F2] is a series name for several very closely related, lithium- rich, mica-group minerals. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system as tabular, pseudo-hexagonal crystals and scaly aggregates of thin, leaf-like crystals known as “mica books.” Lepidolite has a diagnostic, pale, pinkish-purple to violet color and is translucent with a pearly luster. It has a Mohs hardness of 2.5-3.0, perfect cleavage in one direction, a specific gravity of 2.8-3.3, and occurs primarily in granite pegmatites in association with quartz, elbaite, and spodumene.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: In metaphysical usage, lepidolite is a stone of calmness, trust, and acceptance that eases depression and stress, aids in difficult transitions, and encourages independence. It is also thought to reduce pain when placed on the body. Lepidolite is a former minor ore of lithium.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Lepidolite is an uncommon mineral that is collected for its pleasing, pinkish-purple to violet colors, unusual “mica-book” crystal habit, and frequent association in composite specimens with such other pegmatite minerals as quartz, elbaite, and spodumene.