Description
Lepidolite is a mineral belonging to the potassium-lithium-aluminum-fluorophyllosilicate group, with the chemical formula KLi2AlSi4O10F(OH). This mineral, which can be colorless, white, yellowish, or pink, consists of aluminum silicate, potassium hydroxide, and aluminum lithium hydroxide, and may contain traces of rubidium. It is known for its good fissile properties. Lepidolite is opaque, sensitive to acids and hot water, and can therefore discolor. It has an average specific gravity of 2.84 and a hardness of 2.5 to 3. The crystal system is monoclinic, and it has a white streak color. The name lepidolite comes from the Greek words "lepidion," meaning "shell," and "lithos," meaning "stone." It is primarily found in lithium-rich pegmatites, and the type locality is Pala, San Diego, California, USA.
