Lepidolite

Lepidolite is a lithium-rich mica, usually lilac or pink, found mainly in granitic pegmatites. It is a source of lithium and a member of the mica group.

Mica: A group of sheet silicate minerals that split into thin, flexible layers. Lepidolite belongs to this mineral group and inherits its layered cleavage.
Granitic pegmatite: An exceptionally coarse-grained igneous rock commonly enriched in rare elements and volatile components. Lepidolite commonly crystallizes in these late-stage granite intrusions.
Lithium mining: The extraction of lithium-bearing materials for producing lithium compounds and metal. Lepidolite has been mined as a lithium-bearing mineral, though other sources often dominate production.
Muscovite: A common potassium-rich mica, usually colorless or pale, with little lithium. It shares lepidolite’s sheet structure but differs in composition and typical color.
Phyllosilicate: A silicate mineral built from sheets of linked tetrahedra. Lepidolite’s defining mineral structure is a layered phyllosilicate framework.
Fractional crystallization: The separation of minerals from cooling magma, changing the composition of the remaining melt. Progressive crystallization can concentrate lithium and other incompatible elements in pegmatite-forming melts.
Lithium-ion battery: A rechargeable battery that moves lithium ions between electrodes during charging and discharging. Lithium recovered from minerals such as lepidolite can enter battery supply chains.
Biotite: A dark, iron- and magnesium-rich mica common in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Its dark composition contrasts with lepidolite’s lithium-rich, often pale-colored character.
Lithium: A soft, silvery alkali metal and the lightest solid element. Lithium occupies sites in lepidolite’s structure and makes the mineral an ore.
Lithium mica: A mica mineral containing substantial lithium in its crystal structure. Lepidolite is one member of this compositional family.

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RubidiumRelated: Rubidium was first identified in mineral material containing lepidolite.