Lepidolite
What is Lepidolite?
Lepidolite is a lilac or rose-violet colored member of the mica group of minerals. It’s primarily found in Brazil, Russia, and parts of Africa. Lepidolite is often used as a gemstone and is a popular choice for jewelry due to its beautiful colors and spiritual significance.
Lepidolite is a lilac-colored gemstone known for its soothing and balancing properties. Its calming hues and shimmering appearance make it a popular choice for jewelry and decorative items. The stone is often used in rings, necklaces, and pendants.
Chemical Classification | Inorganic - Silicate (Mica) |
Color | Ranges from pink to purple, and sometimes gray or yellowish. |
Streak | White |
Luster | Vitreous to pearly. |
Transparency | Translucent to opaque. |
Occurrence | Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States. |
Formation | Typically found in granite pegmatites. |
Diaphaneity | Translucent to opaque |
Cleavage | None |
Mohs Hardness | 2.5-3. |
Specific Gravity | Approximately 2.8 to 3.3. |
Diagnostic Properties | Pink to purple, flaky. |
Chemical Composition | K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,Rb)4O10(F,OH)2 |
Pleochroism | Not noticeable due to its opacity. |
Crystal System | Monoclinic |
Optical Properties | Biaxial (-) |
Refractive Index | 1.525 - 1.548 |
Birefringence | 0.015 |
2V angle | Measured: 0° to 30° |
Dispersion | Not typically relevant for lepidolite due to its opacity. |