Lepidolite

Lepidolite from Pakistan

Lepidolite is a lithium-rich mica mineral found in granitic pegmatites. It contains 3-5% Li₂O in commercial ores and is distinguished by its striking lilac to purple color and micaceous (flaky) crystal structure. While spodumene is the primary hard-rock lithium source, lepidolite is an increasingly important secondary lithium mineral, particularly valued for its fluorine content which reduces energy requirements during lithium extraction. Lepidolite also contains rubidium (Rb) and caesium (Cs) as potentially recoverable byproducts. Pakistan’s Himalayan pegmatite belt hosts lepidolite-bearing formations that are actively mined and exported.

Available Forms

• Hand-sorted lumps: 20-200 mm (4-5% Li₂O)

• Run-of-mine (ROM) lumps: 10-300 mm (3-4% Li₂O)

• Crushed ore: 0-50 mm, 0-25 mm

• Screened flakes and fines: 0-10 mm

• Custom sizing available

Industrial Uses

• Lithium extraction: Lepidolite is processed through acid roasting (sulphuric acid or hydrofluoric acid), alkaline roasting (limestone or lime), or chlorination to extract lithium as lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) or lithium hydroxide (LiOH). Its fluorine content lowers roasting temperatures and energy consumption compared to spodumene processing

• EV batteries and energy storage: Lithium compounds extracted from lepidolite feed the lithium-ion battery supply chain for electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and grid-scale energy storage systems

• Ceramics: Lepidolite is used directly in ceramic bodies and glazes as a source of Li₂O and fluxing agent. It reduces firing temperature, improves thermal shock resistance, and enhances glaze surface quality

• Glass manufacturing: Lepidolite is added to glass batches as a lithium and fluorine source, reducing melting temperature, improving melt fluidity, and enhancing chemical durability. Used in specialty glasses, opal glass, and heat-resistant glass

• Enamel and porcelain: Lepidolite serves as a flux in enamel and porcelain formulations, lowering firing temperatures and improving surface finish

• Rubidium and caesium recovery: Lepidolite is one of the few commercial sources of rubidium (Rb₂O: 0.5-3%) and caesium, which are recovered as byproducts during lithium extraction. Rubidium is used in specialty glass, photocells, and atomic clocks. Caesium is used in drilling fluids, atomic clocks, and medical imaging

• Ornamental and lapidary use: Attractive lepidolite specimens with vivid purple coloration are used in jewelry, carvings, decorative objects, and as tumbled stones in the crystal and wellness market

• Mineral specimens: Museum-quality lepidolite crystals and clusters are valued by mineral collectors and educational institutions

Quality Assurance

Each lot includes a Certificate of Analysis reporting Li₂O, SiO₂, Al₂O₃, K₂O, Na₂O, Fe₂O₃, MnO, Rb₂O, Cs₂O, F, CaO, MgO, LOI, moisture, and size distribution. Assays are performed by accredited laboratories using ICP-OES, AAS, and wet chemistry methods. Pre-shipment samples are provided for buyer approval. Third-party inspection (SGS, Intertek, or equivalent) can be arranged on request.