LEPIDOLITE on SMOKEY QUARTZ, POAIA MINE, SAO JOSE SEFINA, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL (small cabinet)

Lepidolite is a lilac-gray or rose-hued mineral belonging to the mica group, characterized by the chemical formula K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,Rb)4O10(F,OH)2. It stands out as the most prevalent lithium-containing mineral and serves as a secondary source of this essential metal. Additionally, it is a significant source of the alkali metal rubidium.

This mineral is typically located alongside other lithium-rich minerals, such as spodumene, within pegmatite formations. Lepidolite can also be discovered in high-temperature quartz veins, greisens, and granite deposits. As a phyllosilicate mineral, it is part of the polylithionite-trilithionite series, which includes polylithionite, lepidolite, and trilithionite. These three minerals exhibit similar characteristics, attributed to the differing ratios of lithium and aluminum present in their chemical compositions.

Stand not included.