Lepidolite — lilac mica, pearly layers and an aura of thoughtful transition
Lepidolite is the familiar name for lithium-rich trioctahedral micas within the polylithionite–trilithionite compositional series. It develops mainly in highly evolved granitic pegmatites, forming delicate books, overlapping scales, rosettes and lilac intergrowths with Quartz or feldspar. Manganese-bearing chemistry commonly contributes its lavender, rose and violet tones, while iron and surrounding minerals may soften them towards grey or silver.