Lepidolite Composition, Crystallization & Structure

Composition. Lithia mica, KLi[Al.2(OH,F)]Al(Si0₃)₃.

Crystallization. Monoclinic. Crystals usually in small plates or prisms with hexagonal outline.

Structure. Commonly in coarse- to fine-grained scaly aggregates.

Physical Properties. Perfect basal cleavage. H. = 2.5-4. G. = 2.8. Pearly luster. Color pink and lilac to grayish white. Translucent.

Tests. Easily fusible (2), giving a crimson flame (lithium). Insoluble in acids. Characterized chiefly by its micaceous structure and Iliac to pink color.

Occurrence. A comparatively rare mineral, found in pegmatite veins, usually associated with pink and green tourmaline, cassiterite, amblygonite, spodumene, ete. Often integrant with muscovite in parallel position. Notable localities for its occurrence are at Rozna, Moravia; Madagascar; western Maine at Hebron, Auburn, Norway, Paris, Rumford, near Middletown, Connecticut; San Diego County, California.

Name. Derived from a Greek word meaning scale. Use. A sourer of lithium compounds.

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