Lepidolite Mica Rich in Lithium

An unusually large piece of lepidolite mica from our collection of rocks and minerals.  This piece does stand without being supported but may be more secure if displayed on a small stand.

Lepidolite is a lithium-rich mineral that's widely used in industry around the world.  Silvery inclusions resembling glitter shed very easily.  For this reason it should be handled as little as possible.

Lepidolite is part of the mica group of minerals.  There are thirty seven different varieties the most common being muscovite and lepidolite.  They're known as silicate minerals or sheet silicates because they form in distinctive layers or sheets.

Mica flakes are used in almost all cosmetics.  They add shimmer, lustre and sparkle and are also used where brightening or glow is required.  It's also used in skin care products and body lotions. 

Some of the world's largest deposits of mica are found in one of the poorest regions of India and also in Madagascar.  Mines are generally unregulated and child labour is very common.

The mica in our collection comes from the Minas Gerais state of Brazil.

Inclusions of mica are present in several minerals some of which include dravite the brown variety of tourmaline and the gemstone seraphinite.  When present in aventurine it can be responsible for the red or pink colour. 

Although lithium is often believed to be the cause of the purplish-pink colour of lepidolite mica, it actually comes from impurities of manganese.

This heat resistant mineral doesn't conduct electricity.  Mica is fairly soft, flaky and lightweight.  Both layers and flakes are flexible.  Small flakes of mica break away very easily. 

Lepidolite mica is a lustrous mineral that reflects light from every angle.  It's incredibly difficult however to capture its pearly to vitreous lustre in a photo.