Lepidolite identification and geology

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Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner

GeoMiner

Last updated

2026-03-30T14:36:45.416095+00:00

Review status

Published; not independently peer-reviewed

• IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
• Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.

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Common questions

What is Lepidolite?

Lithium-bearing mica with a distinctive lilac to pink color. An important ore of lithium.

How can you identify Lepidolite?

Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Lilac, pink, purple, gray; lustre: Vitreous to pearly; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 2.5-3; cleavage: Perfect basal cleavage; crystal system: Monoclinic; transparency: Translucent. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.

How does Lepidolite form?

Forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites, often associated with tourmaline, spodumene, and amblygonite.

Where is Lepidolite commonly found?

Brazil, USA, Madagascar, Czech Republic; found in granitic pegmatites.

What is Lepidolite commonly confused with?

Lepidolite may be confused with Muscovite, Amethyst, Fluorite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.