Microscopy Primer
Light and Color
Microscope Basics
Special Techniques
Digital Imaging
Confocal Microscopy
Live-Cell Imaging
Photomicrography
Microscopy Museum
Virtual Microscopy
Fluorescence
Web Resources
License Info
Image Use
Custom Photos
Partners
Site Info
Contact Us
Publications
Home

The Galleries:

Photo Gallery
Silicon Zoo
Pharmaceuticals
Chip Shots
Phytochemicals
DNA Gallery
Microscapes
Vitamins
Amino Acids
Birthstones
Religion Collection
Pesticides
BeerShots
Cocktail Collection
Screen Savers
Win Wallpaper
Mac Wallpaper
Movie Gallery

Polarized Light Microscopy Digital Image Gallery

Lepidolite

Lepidolite is a type of mica that derives its name from the Greek words lepidon, meaning “scale,” and lithos, meaning “stone.” The aluminum silicate mineral is similar to other micas in most respects, but is one of the few ores that contain the important metal lithium.

Pink to purple in color with a vitreous to pearly luster, lepidolite can be quite a beautiful mineral. Thus, the mica is often prized as an attractive mineral specimen and is sometimes sold as a healing stone. Also, a rock composed of granular pink lepidolite and red to pink tourmaline is often polished and utilized for ornamental carvings. Nevertheless, the rare mica is most highly valued for the large quantities of lithium it frequently contains. Lithium, which is chemically active and the lightest solid element in the world, is chiefly used in batteries, heat transfer alloys, and mood stabilizing medications.

Lepidolite is typically found in granite pegmatites, and the most notable occurrences are located in California, Brazil, Africa, and the Ural Mountains of Russia. Other minerals that frequently accompany lepidolite deposits include feldspars, quartz, elbaite, and tourmaline. As a mica, the physical structure of lepidolite is layered and exhibits perfect cleavage, producing thin, flexible sheets. Lepidolite is, however, distinct from similar minerals in that it generally contains substantial amounts of rubidium, a soft metallic element that is utilized for a wide variety of purposes.


BACK TO THE ROCKS AND MINERALS GALLERY

BACK TO THE POLARIZED LIGHT GALLERY

Questions or comments? Send us an email.
© 1998-2022 by Michael W. Davidson and The Florida State University. All Rights Reserved. No images, graphics, scripts, or applets may be reproduced or used in any manner without permission from the copyright holders. Use of this website means you agree to all of the Legal Terms and Conditions set forth by the owners.
This website is maintained by our
Graphics & Web Programming Team
in collaboration with Optical Microscopy at the
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.
Last modification: Friday, Nov 13, 2015 at 02:19 PM
Access Count Since November 20, 2003: 13264
For more information on microscope manufacturers,
use the buttons below to navigate to their websites: