When you think of gemstones, the lepidolite stone usually isn’t one that comes to mind. However, that’s actually a bit of a shame. The lepidolite is incredibly beautiful and amazingly unique. Plus, it has a fascinating history, one that’s worth exploring.
There is a benefit to lepidolite being lesser-known; it’s often reasonably affordable. If you’d like to learn more about what this breathtaking gem has to offer, here’s a look at the properties, colors, meaning, and other aspects of the lepidolite stone.
Technically, lepidolite isn’t a gem. Instead, it’s a mineral. In fact, the lepidolite mineral is the most common lithium-bearing mineral on the planet. However, it is somewhat rare overall, as the lithium needed for its creation isn’t widely available.
Lepidolite tends to be at least semi-translucent. Light can pass through at least sections of the gemstone. At times, the stones may be fully transparent.
When it comes to use as a gem, natural lepidolite isn’t commonly found in jewelry. It isn’t particularly hard or durable, which isn’t ideal for accessories. However, it is at time imbued with quartz, enhancing its strength and making it suitable for a wider array of applications.
When it comes to colors, purple lepidolite is the most widely known. Usually, the stone is a lilac or lavender hue. However, it also comes in additional colors. Pink lepidolite is about as common as purple. Red also has a similar occurrence rate. All three of those colors can occur due to the presence of manganese, altering the stone’s hue.
On occasion, lepidolite can take on a grayish tint, especially with darker pieces. When it comes to rare colors, yellow is among them. At times, lepidolite may even be clear, though this may be the rarest option.
The name lepidolite is actually derived from “\lepidos,” which is Greek for scale. It speaks to the stone’s structure involving micaceous plates.
When it comes to a claim to fame, lepidolite’s composition is what made it a star in the earlier 1900s. As a major source of lithium, it had economic value. Plus, lepidolite can be used in glass and enamel production and can be a source of flaked mica.
Further, cesium and rubidium can be byproducts of the lithium extraction process. Those metallic elements also have uses, such as being featured in vacuum tubes and photocells.
However, lepidolite isn’t needed for lithium to the same degree today. Brine and evaporite deposits, found in South America, are a more economical source, leading it to become favored.
Lepidolite is actually found all around the globe. Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Madagascar, Sweden, and the United States all have notable deposits.
LEPIDOLITE PROPERTIES
Technically, lepidolite isn’t a gem. Instead, it’s a mineral. In fact, the lepidolite mineral is the most common lithium-bearing mineral on the planet. However, it is somewhat rare overall, as the lithium needed for its creation isn’t widely available.
Lepidolite tends to be at least semi-translucent. Light can pass through at least sections of the gemstone. At times, the stones may be fully transparent.
When it comes to use as a gem, natural lepidolite isn’t commonly found in jewelry. It isn’t particularly hard or durable, which isn’t ideal for accessories. However, it is at time imbued with quartz, enhancing its strength and making it suitable for a wider array of applications.
LEPIDOLITE COLORS
When it comes to colors, purple lepidolite is the most widely known. Usually, the stone is a lilac or lavender hue. However, it also comes in additional colors. Pink lepidolite is about as common as purple. Red also has a similar occurrence rate. All three of those colors can occur due to the presence of manganese, altering the stone’s hue.
On occasion, lepidolite can take on a grayish tint, especially with darker pieces. When it comes to rare colors, yellow is among them. At times, lepidolite may even be clear, though this may be the rarest option.
THE HISTORY OF LEPIDOLITE
The name lepidolite is actually derived from “\lepidos,” which is Greek for scale. It speaks to the stone’s structure involving micaceous plates.
When it comes to a claim to fame, lepidolite’s composition is what made it a star in the earlier 1900s. As a major source of lithium, it had economic value. Plus, lepidolite can be used in glass and enamel production and can be a source of flaked mica.
Further, cesium and rubidium can be byproducts of the lithium extraction process. Those metallic elements also have uses, such as being featured in vacuum tubes and photocells.
However, lepidolite isn’t needed for lithium to the same degree today. Brine and evaporite deposits, found in South America, are a more economical source, leading it to become favored.
WHERE LEPIDOLITE IS FROM
Lepidolite is actually found all around the globe. Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Madagascar, Sweden, and the United States all have notable deposits.