Scaly stone Lepidolite - all about the origin of the mineral, where the gem is used, the beneficial properties of the mineral and a unique selection of photos

The lepidolite stone is equally valued by industrialists and jewelers, as well as by collectors and simply aesthetes. This is due to the presence of rare earth metals in the composition. At the same time, this rare mineral did not gain fame among the broad masses of the people.

The micaceous structure of lepidolite is somewhat reminiscent of scales. These scales are tightly soldered, but despite this they are easily separated from each other and with the same ease are reunited with the stone. Thanks to this property, it is very easy to recognize a fake.

Most often, the stone has a color of lilac tones, but there are deviations from this canon.

The International Association of Minerologists has not recognized lepidolite as a mineral since 1989, but in reality this term is applied to light micas, in which lithium predominates.

Origin of the name

Previously, the stone was called lilalite. The author of this name was the German chemist M.Kh. Klaproth, who lived in the 18th century. Later, the stone was called landrin, which was also associated with its lavender color. In the 19th century, the name “lepidolite” was established, which is still in use today, which literally means “scaly stone” in Greek.

You can also distinguish two varieties of lepidolite, which have their own names. So, for example, samples of a layered-spherical structure, discovered in the 19th century in Russia by mining engineer Nikolai Barbot-Marni, are called the “barbot eye”, in honor of the discoverer. And for lilac-pink specimens, there is a definition of lilialite or lavandrin.

Scientific perspective

In general, the term lepidolite combines a group of micas minerals, slightly different in hue and composition, which is characterized by inconsistency.

So, for example, in Saxony, lepidolite was discovered, including an admixture of an unknown chemical element, which was later called "rubidium" (from the Latin word "red"). The traditional lilac color is due to the admixture of manganese. In addition to manganese and rubidium, iron, cesium and sodium can act as impurities.

The formula of the mineral, which is based on aluminum silicate, is as follows: KLi2Al(Al,Si)3O10(F,OH)2.

Fields and Applications

Deposits of lepidolite are represented in one way or another all over the planet, but compared to other micaceous minerals, deposits of lavender stone are much smaller. On the European continent, lepidolite is developed in Sweden, Germany, the Czech Republic and Italy. In Asia, these are Pakistan and Afghanistan. Madagascar, Brazil and the USA are also rich in lavender mica.

In Russia, lepidolite is mined in the Urals, Transbaikalia, Primorye and the Kola Peninsula.

The field of application of lepidolite has a direct correlation with the region of production. The European mineral is involved in the industry, Brazil supplies the stone for the jewelry industry and arts and crafts.

Industrialists appreciate lepidolite as a source of lithium, which is indispensable in the production of a number of things without which humanity cannot imagine its existence today: laser devices, batteries for household and office equipment, some types of glass, medical preparations, pyrotechnics.

In addition, lithium makes the disposal of nuclear waste safe; it is used to synthesize organic compounds.

As for jewelers, few specialists dare to work with this stone, and the point is not the price, but the complexity of the processing process. However, decorations made of tumbled stone look quite impressive and exotic.

Stone-cutting artists love to combine lepidolite with tourmaline: craftsmen carve dishes, snuffboxes, sculptures and other things from the intergrowths of these minerals.

Quotes

Collectors, on the other hand, are chasing well-cut specimens of non-standard colors, especially in intergrowths with other minerals. For each such sample, unimaginable sums of money are paid.

Below are the prices for lepidolite in Russian stores:

• A tumbled stone with a diameter of about 35 mm - the cost can have a significant run-up from 300 to 1200 rubles;
• Lithium ore concentrate with dimensions of 105x56x50 mm - 1.5 thousand;
• Ore with tourmaline inclusions with dimensions of 70x52x47 mm - 900 rubles;
• Ore concentrate zonal with dimensions 59x42x2 mm - 350;
• Lepidolite egg with tourmaline inclusions 53x40 mm - 3660 rubles;
• Ball (with inclusions of tourmaline, feldspar) with a diameter of 75 mm - 7200.

Esoteric perspective

As for the magical properties of lepidolite, they are still in the process of being studied, since the stone was discovered quite recently, of course, when compared with minerals known from antiquity, for example.So, esotericists believe that talismans and jewelry made of lepidolite are most relevant to the existential needs of creative and impulsive natures. Products made from the lavender mineral will help you to fulfill your potential without becoming proud and without suffering from "star fever".

In addition, lepidolite activates female energy. The stone will help you become more charming and attractive, find harmony with your femininity, if there is some rejection of your body. This is especially noticeable in girls in adolescence: they seem to be ashamed of the fact that they were born girls. The energy of the stone contributes to the awakening of sensuality, tenderness and maternal instinct, patronizes the family and marriage. It is believed that the owner of the amulet made of lavender mica will not know unrequited love.

Among esotericists, meditation on lepidolite is considered a very useful practice. Regular classes get rid of petty philistine passions - envy, grouchiness, greed - and help to reach a new level of thinking. Actually, it is precisely with this quality of the mineral that its main contraindication is associated: a product made of lepidolite will do a disservice to businessmen, merchants, economists and other persons on duty one way or another forced to count money.

What do astrologers say

According to astrological materiel, lepidolite correlates with the sign of Libra, which belongs to the air element. However, all representatives of air signs are characterized by mood lability and some misunderstanding of their own needs. Jewelry and amulets made from this stone are conducive to finding inner balance, and as a result, stabilizing relationships with loved ones, colleagues, and just acquaintances.

In principle, in one way or another, lepidolite suits all signs of the zodiac. However, there are cases of individual intolerance. This becomes noticeable in the first few minutes of interaction with the stone. If a person does not immediately become ill, then there is no “allergy”.

In lithotherapy

The healing properties of lepidolite, as well as the magical ones, have so far been studied extremely superficially. At this stage, lithotherapists have identified not many problems for which this mineral has a therapeutic effect. Among them:

1. Neuropsychiatric diseases, including psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder. Of the more "light" ailments - insomnia, nightmares, sleep paralysis, depression and anxiety. Mineral products increase stress resistance, improve mood;
2. Pain syndrome, in particular, toothache and headache. Lepidolite earrings help get rid of migraines;
3. Cardiovascular diseases, neuralgia, muscle spasms. In these cases, lithotherapists recommend wearing rings.

Of course, the powerful sedative and analgesic effect of simple jewelry is due to the presence of lithium in the composition of lepidolite, the preparations of which were used for the above purposes by the ancient Greeks! Modern medicine is in no hurry to abandon this tradition.

Care

Lepidolite is a very brittle mineral. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is estimated at only 2.5 points, therefore, stone products must be protected from mechanical damage. Such jewelry and household items do not have any special rules for the care and storage: they can be washed in warm water, with the addition of a small amount of fragrance-free soap.

Products made from lavender mica are valued for their unusual color and specific texture. Lepidolite is a kind of must-have for fashionistas and collectors who want to demonstrate their refined taste to others.

Photo selection of Lepidolite stone