Lepidolite Gemstone
Lepidolite Gemstone
Lepidolite was first discovered in the 18th century. Lepidolite derives its name from the Greek words LEPIDOS and LITHOS meaning Scale and Stone, which refers to its scale-like appearance from the flakes or sheets of lithium.
Lepidolite occurs in a monoclinic crystal structure and is usually found in granite pegmatites and tin veins. It is often found with other crystals such as Tourmaline and Quartz.
Lepidolite ranges from pink to purple in color. It can be pale pink or purplish or reddish-pink, reddish, violet-gray and sometimes light gray. Rare specimens can be colorless or yellow.
Lepidolite has a hardness ranging from 2.5 - 4 on the Mohs scale. It has a perfect cleavage. It is transparent to translucent with a glass-like to pearly luster. It also shows a creamy white to pale yellow, sometimes yellow fluorescence.
Lepidolite is also called Lithia Mica and Lilalite because it is often found in a beautiful lilac-lavender color. It is the most common lithium mineral, a basic potassium and lithium aluminosilicate and a member of the common mica group. Since Lepidolite is a mica material, it is not defined as a stone. Lepidolite is economically important as a major source of lithium (the lightest metal in the world).
Lithium can be found in rechargeable batteries, toasters, microwave ovens, aircraft parts, mobile phones, air purifiers and even in mood-stabilizing drugs.
Lepidolite is not only used as a gemstone, but it is also used in the making of paperweights, ashtrays and other ornamental items.
Lepidolite is often cut into cabochon or fancy shape. It is also cut into spheres, tumbled and drilled. It is perfect for beaded necklaces, bracelets, pendants, rings and other types of jewelry. Though Lepidolite is soft at 2.5 - 4 on the Mohs hardness scale, it is considered a moderately tough gemstone when impregnated with quartz.
Lepidolite is not known to be enhanced in any way.
Lepidolite can be confused with Muscovite, which is the most common member of the Mica group. However, Lepidolite can be identified by its excellent sheet cleavage crystal, pebble-like appearance and lilac coloration.
Lepidolite clears electromagnetic pollution and should be placed on computers to absorb the emanations.
Lepidolite is also known as the Peace Stone and the Grandmother Stone because of its nurturing and calming metaphysical properties. It is a great comfort to those who are feeling stressed, fatigued nervous or sad. It is said that Lepidolite brings balance to the emotions and thoughts. Thus, it brings relief to those who suffer from depression and mental illness such as bipolar disorder. Lepidolite opens the mind and is able to calm the higher self.
Lepidolite is associated with the zodiacal sign of Libra.
Lepidolite is sensitive to strong pressure, high temperatures and household chemicals.
Clean it with soapy water and rinse well to remove all soapy residue.
Lepidolite deposits can be found in Brazil, Russia, the United States, Canada, Sweden, Germany, Finland, the Czech Republic, Japan, Zimbabwe and Madagascar.
Lepidolite was first discovered in the 18th century. Lepidolite derives its name from the Greek words LEPIDOS and LITHOS meaning Scale and Stone, which refers to its scale-like appearance from the flakes or sheets of lithium.
Lepidolite occurs in a monoclinic crystal structure and is usually found in granite pegmatites and tin veins. It is often found with other crystals such as Tourmaline and Quartz.
Lepidolite ranges from pink to purple in color. It can be pale pink or purplish or reddish-pink, reddish, violet-gray and sometimes light gray. Rare specimens can be colorless or yellow.
Lepidolite has a hardness ranging from 2.5 - 4 on the Mohs scale. It has a perfect cleavage. It is transparent to translucent with a glass-like to pearly luster. It also shows a creamy white to pale yellow, sometimes yellow fluorescence.
Lepidolite is also called Lithia Mica and Lilalite because it is often found in a beautiful lilac-lavender color. It is the most common lithium mineral, a basic potassium and lithium aluminosilicate and a member of the common mica group. Since Lepidolite is a mica material, it is not defined as a stone. Lepidolite is economically important as a major source of lithium (the lightest metal in the world).
Lithium can be found in rechargeable batteries, toasters, microwave ovens, aircraft parts, mobile phones, air purifiers and even in mood-stabilizing drugs.
Lepidolite is not only used as a gemstone, but it is also used in the making of paperweights, ashtrays and other ornamental items.
Lepidolite is often cut into cabochon or fancy shape. It is also cut into spheres, tumbled and drilled. It is perfect for beaded necklaces, bracelets, pendants, rings and other types of jewelry. Though Lepidolite is soft at 2.5 - 4 on the Mohs hardness scale, it is considered a moderately tough gemstone when impregnated with quartz.
Lepidolite is not known to be enhanced in any way.
Lepidolite can be confused with Muscovite, which is the most common member of the Mica group. However, Lepidolite can be identified by its excellent sheet cleavage crystal, pebble-like appearance and lilac coloration.
Lepidolite clears electromagnetic pollution and should be placed on computers to absorb the emanations.
Lepidolite is also known as the Peace Stone and the Grandmother Stone because of its nurturing and calming metaphysical properties. It is a great comfort to those who are feeling stressed, fatigued nervous or sad. It is said that Lepidolite brings balance to the emotions and thoughts. Thus, it brings relief to those who suffer from depression and mental illness such as bipolar disorder. Lepidolite opens the mind and is able to calm the higher self.
Lepidolite is associated with the zodiacal sign of Libra.
Lepidolite is sensitive to strong pressure, high temperatures and household chemicals.
Clean it with soapy water and rinse well to remove all soapy residue.
Lepidolite deposits can be found in Brazil, Russia, the United States, Canada, Sweden, Germany, Finland, the Czech Republic, Japan, Zimbabwe and Madagascar.