Lepidolite

Mica

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV (retired)
Published: June 2014
Modified: January 2022
Lepidolite Polished Lepidolite Rough Lepidolite Jewelry

Lepidolite is a beautiful lithium-rich member of the mica mineral family. Violet to pink in color, lepidolite has a scaly appearance seen in many specimens. This gemstone is not commonly known to be faceted and is primarily used in ornamental and decorative pieces.

General Information

Common Name
Lepidolite
Species
Mica
Transparency
Transparent - Translucent
Dispersion
Strength: None
Refractive Index
1.525-1.587
Birefringence
0.018-0.038
Optic Character
Biaxial
Optic Sign
Negative
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG), Doubly Refractive (DR)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Inert
LWUV: Inert
Pleochroism
None
Hardness
2.5-4
Streak
White
Specific Gravity
2.800-2.900
Inclusions
Many lepidolite specimens have a scaly appearance.
Luster
Vitreous, Pearly
Fracture
Uneven
Cleavage
Perfect, in one direction
Chemical Name
potassium lithium aluminum fluoro-silicate
Chemical Formula
K(Li,Al)3(Si,Al)4O10(F,OH)2
Crystal System
Monoclinic
Chemistry Classification
Silicate

Lepidolite Colors

  • Pink Lepidolite
    Pink
  • Purple Lepidolite
    Purple
  • Purple Lepidolite
    Purple

Alternate Names

Lithia Mica, Lithium Mica

Countries of Origin

Afghanistan; Pakistan; Unknown; United States of America; Brazil

Care

Lepidolite is very soft, so be mindful of scratching. Requires gentle handling