Mineral description : Lepidolite

Lepidolite from Varuträsk.
Crystals of lepidolite. Lepidolite from Varuträsk.
Massive form. Lepidolite from Varuträsk.
Two big crystals.

Chemical formula K₂(Li₃Al₄)[Si₇O₂₁][OH,F]₃
K₂(Li₃Al₄)[Si₆Al₂O₂₀][OH,F]₄

Hardness 2.5

Density 2.8-2.9

Color rose, lilac, greygreen, transparent in thin sheets.

Luster glas, pearly.

Description Usually in cleavable plates or as granular masses.

Habitat Usually in pegmatites, sometimes in granites and gneisses.

Associates spodumene, amblygonite, zinnwaldite, beryl, lithium turmaline, cassiterite, muscovite, albite, topaz and niob / tantalum minerals.

Notes Colors the flame red and fuses to a white glass that are easily affected by acids.

Locations

Varuträsk pegmatite. As massive aggregates and crystals up to 2cm.
Haapaluoma in Finland.
Viitaniemi in Finland.
Tördalen in Norway ( 20 cm crystals ).

To silicate index.
Mineral group index.
Main index.

If you have some questions, suggestions or comments you are welcome to write me a line or two.

axelsson@acc.umu.se

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Last changed : 1998-03-07

Chemical formula	K₂(Li₃Al₄)[Si₇O₂₁][OH,F]₃ K₂(Li₃Al₄)[Si₆Al₂O₂₀][OH,F]₄
Hardness	2.5
Density	2.8-2.9
Color	rose, lilac, greygreen, transparent in thin sheets.
Luster	glas, pearly.
Description	Usually in cleavable plates or as granular masses.
Habitat	Usually in pegmatites, sometimes in granites and gneisses.
Associates	spodumene, amblygonite, zinnwaldite, beryl, lithium turmaline, cassiterite, muscovite, albite, topaz and niob / tantalum minerals.
Notes	Colors the flame red and fuses to a white glass that are easily affected by acids.
Locations	Varuträsk pegmatite. As massive aggregates and crystals up to 2cm. Haapaluoma in Finland. Viitaniemi in Finland. Tördalen in Norway ( 20 cm crystals ).