5" Lepidolite Slab DS2384

5" Lepidolite Slab Approx. Dimensions: 5x5x0.25 inches Approx. Weight: 262 grams Locality: Namibia This lovely purple lepidolite slab has a high gloss varnish applied to the front. It includes an acrylic slab stand. Lepidolite is a lithium-rich mica mineral commonly found in granite pegmatites. It is primarily sourced from regions such as Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States. Historically, lepidolite has been used for ornamental purposes and as a source of lithium, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Composed of potassium, lithium, aluminum, and silicon, lepidolite belongs to the mica group of minerals. It typically exhibits shades of pink, purple, or lavender due to the presence of manganese and lithium impurities. Lepidolite has a hardness of around 2.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft. Its attractive coloration and association with lithium, a valuable element in modern technology, contribute to its continued use in lapidary work and mineral collections.