Lepidolite

Inside Lepidolite

A lithium mica that was once mined as an ore, now collected for its color.

The story: Lepidolite forms in the same lithium-rich pegmatites that also produce tourmaline, and it was historically mined as a source of lithium itself. Its lilac-to-pink color comes from manganese substituting into the mica’s layered crystal structure.

Why collectors chase it: A soft pastel purple is unusual among minerals, and the fine-grained mica sheen gives even a rough slab a subtle sparkle.

Care: Soft and flaky — better suited to display than heavy handling, and best kept away from moisture and harder stones that could scratch it.