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Entry № 266

Lepidolite

Potassium lithium aluminium silicate

The lilac mica of calm transition.

Chakra

Heart · Third Eye · Crown

Element

Water

Zodiac

Libra · Pisces

Lepidolite

I. The Metaphysical Reading

How the stone has been held.

Lepidolite is one of the most lithium-rich minerals used in crystal practice, and it is associated with emotional balance, stress relief, and graceful change. Its soft purple color is said to soothe the nervous system and to support restful sleep.

Chakra
Heart · Third Eye · Crown
Element
Water
Zodiac
Libra · Pisces
Keynote
The lilac mica of calm transition.

II. The Scientific Reading

What the lattice actually does.

Lepidolite is a lithium-rich mica mineral and an important source of lithium metal. Its perfect basal cleavage and layered structure give it a silvery, flaky appearance. The pink to lilac color comes from trace manganese substituting for lithium.

Formula
K(Li,Al)₃(Al,Si,Rb)₄O₁₀(F,OH)₂
System
Monoclinic (pseudohexagonal)
Hardness
2.5 – 4 (Mohs)
Provenance
Brazil, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, USA (California)

References & Sources

Independent mineralogical references used to verify the scientific details above.

Mineral Profile

Fact Sheet

Chemical Formula
K(Li,Al)₃(Al,Si,Rb)₄O₁₀(F,OH)₂
Crystal System
Monoclinic (pseudohexagonal)
Mohs Hardness
2.5 – 4 (Mohs)
Density
2.8 – 3.0 g/cm³
Refractive Index
1.53 – 1.60
Provenance
Brazil, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, USA (California)
Color Origin
Lilac, pink, purple from lithium and manganese

Related Crystals

Stones that share this lattice

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Next in the Atlas

Limonite

The ochre earth of patient transformation.