LEPIDOLITE var POLYLITHIONITE with AEGIRINE (thumbnail)

Lepidolite refers to a series of minerals within the mica group, characterized by their lilac-gray or rose hues. This series is scientifically known as the polylithionite-trilithionite series, with the chemical formula K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,Rb)4O10(F,OH)2. As the most prevalent lithium-bearing mineral, lepidolite serves as a secondary source of lithium and is also a significant source of rubidium. It typically occurs alongside other lithium-rich minerals, such as spodumene, within pegmatite formations, and can also be located in high-temperature quartz veins, greisens, and granite.

As a phyllosilicate mineral, lepidolite is part of a trio that includes polylithionite and trilithionite, with all three sharing similar characteristics due to differing lithium and aluminum ratios in their compositions. The Li:Al ratio ranges from 2:1 in polylithionite to 1.5:1.5 in trilithionite. Lepidolite naturally exhibits a spectrum of colors, predominantly pink, purple, and red, but can also appear gray, and in rare cases, yellow or colorless. While it is often assumed that lithium contributes to its pink coloration, it is actually trace amounts of manganese that impart these distinctive hues.