Rough Lepidolite Mineral

Lepidolite is a colourful variety of the mineral mica and an ore of lithium.   Inclusions of lithium and traces of the chemical element rubidium can usually be seen in good quality stones and appear as minute silvery specs.  In this piece they can be clearly seen on the base of the stone but also on other faces depending on the angle of light.

Lepidolite is Earth's most common lithium bearing mineral and one of the very few which contains rubidium. Rubidium is a soft silvery white coloured metallic element used to determine the age of rocks more than ten million years old.

In medicine lithium is used to treat abnormally excitable behaviour and mood swings in people with bipolar disorder as well as depression.  In crystal healing lepidolite it's said to be helpful for dealing with depression and for stabilising mood swings.  Both calming and soothing it helps with sleep disturbances and combats stress bringing deep emotional healing.

This lepidolite mineral comes from Brazil.