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Lepidolite

UNB-2020-0284Minerals » Silicates » Phyllosilicates

Description

Large foliated lilac sample of Lepidolite with a pearly lustre. Lepidolite (K(Li, Al)3(Si, Al)4O10(F, OH)2) can be pink, lilac, yellowish or greyish white. Lustre is pearly and streak is colourless. Hardness is 2 1/2 to 3 and cleavage is perfect in one direction. Lepidolite usually occurs as scaly aggregates, hexagonal (rare), foliated or compact.

Specifications

Object nameLepidolite
IDUNB-2020-0284
Legal statusPermanent collection
CategoryMineral
Classification
Mineral group:
Silicates
Sub-group:
Phyllosilicates
Composition
  • (Al,Fe2+,Fe3+Li,Mg,Mn,Ni)5−6(Al,Fe3+,Si)4(O,OH)18
  • K(Fe,Mg)3AlSi3O10(OH)2
  • (Mg,Fe2+)5Al(Si3Al)O10(OH)8
  • Various (e.g., Muscovite - KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2)
  • Al2Si2O5(OH)4
  • K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,Rb)4O10(F,OH)2
  • Na2AlSi3O8·H2O
  • LiAlSi4O10
  • NaAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2
  • D3[Si2O5](OH)4
  • Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4
  • KAl2(AlSi3O10)(F,OH)2
OriginNova Scotia, Canada
Pieces1
PartialNo
Measurements
  • 5.1cm x 9.8cm x 9.8cm

Map of Origin

Publications

  • Chesterman, C.W. 1979. Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals. Knopf.