Can Lepidolite Go In Water? (ANSWERED)

Lepidolite is actually a mineral.

Like most minerals, Lepidolite is not hard enough to withstand (a lot of action), and that includes immersion in water.

So, can Lepidolite go in water at all?

No, it’s not a good idea.

Immersing a piece of the mineral in water, even for a short period of time, may make your lepidolite piece even softer and more vulnerable to scratches, fractures, and other types of erosion.

Read on for further important lepidolite facts and history, as well as some “dos” and “don’ts” when it comes to taking the best care of the mineral.

Can Lepidolite Go In Water? (EXPLAINED)

What Exactly is Lepidolite?

Lepidolite, which is also known as lithia mica, is a mineral that sits between 2.5 – 4 points on the Mohs scale of Mineral Hardness.

This Mohs score shows the softness of the mineral, so be aware of the mineral’s softer properties when handling or washing it.

Lepidolite is made up of smaller, scaly crystals and tends to have a flaky texture: precisely why you should use care when washing the minerals or keeping them near water.

Lepidolite is a part of the standard mica group of minerals.

It is a lithium mineral, and in its abundance, it is a very important lithium source within our economy.

Forming in geochemical environments of high lithium concentrations, this lithium-rich igneous mineral comes in a variety of colors that range from pinks to lilacs to purples.

On occasion, a light yellow or a light gray lepidolite can be found.

What Could Happen if I Immerse Lepidolite in Water?

As a rule of thumb, gemstones and minerals that fall below 5 on the Mohs Scale should not be immersed in water.

Their softer make-ups can be damaged quite quickly,

There are many types of crystals and minerals that do not mesh with water, as the water can cause the loss of shine, or of density, as the special flakes and smaller crystals can erode or get easily washed away.

Because of its softer nature and its Mohs scale score of 2.5 – 4 points, Lepidolite is among this group of not-water-friendly minerals.

If submerged in water, your beautiful Lepidolite piece can begin to crack or change in color.

It can also lose its shine as the flaky texture can break up easily in water, washing the gloss of your mineral away.

In extreme cases, the mineral can crumble and even dissolve completely if left too long within water.

FAQ: Mineral Names That End With The Letters “Ite”

We know you don’t want to harm your beloved gemstones or minerals in any way, shape, or form!

Here’s an interesting fact about minerals and stones that ends in “ite.” Many of them, including Lepilodite, are NOT suitable for submersion in water.

Minerals and stones NOT suitable for water immersion:

Lepidolite

Azurite

Hematite

Selenite

Fluorite

Malachite

Pyrite

Celestite

And the list goes on.

So, if you have precious stones or minerals that end in “ite,” make sure to research whether the type or types you have can – or cannot – be immersed in water.

The History of Lepidolite

Discovered around the 1800s, today the lithium-rich Lepidolite is typically mined from granites, from high-temperature quartz veins, and from other minerals like Topaz, Tourmaline, and Beryl.

The most notable areas of the world where Lepidolite is found include California; New Mexico; Japan; Minas Gerais, Brazil; Ural Mountains, Russia; Bernice Lake, Manitoba, Canada; Coolgardie, Western Australia; and Madagascar.

The mineral’s name “Lepidolite” is derived from the Greek word “lepidos,” which means “scale.”

This is because of the mineral’s shiny flakes, or scales. Originally, though, this mineral was called “Lilalite” because of its range of lavender hues.

What is Lepidolite Used For?

To this day, lepidolite continues to be an important source of lithium, an element that has many uses for the world.

Lithium is used in the production of rechargeable batteries, which are used in many types of products.

Lithium is also used to make alloys which are used in making household appliances (such as microwave ovens) and even airplane parts!

Pinks, purples, and reds are the colors that are dominant in the lepidolite mineral.

Every so often, the mineral will have a more gray-colored tone, and there are rare lepidolites that are light yellow, or that have no color (clear).

Because of lepidolite’s luster and pearl-like shine, the mineral is often used to make specialized artisan, or bohemian-looking, jewelry.

It is not an expensive mineral, so it is not usually faceted.

This makes lepidolite the perfect choice for colorful beads that can become bracelets, necklaces, rings, pendants, and much more.

Healing Uses of Lepidolite

Thanks in large part to Lepidolite’s high lithium percentage, the mineral is well known, and used, for its mood-stabilizing abilities.

Many people use Lepidolite to ease anxiety and stress.

Known as an “emotionally healing” mineral, it is worn (as a ring, bracelet, pendant, or even held in a pocket) to relieve stress, decrease panic attacks, reduce feelings of anger, and generally, help the wearer bring back the proper balance of emotion and energy within his or her body.

Also, due to Lepidolite’s softness in geological makeup as well as softness in color, the mineral is believed by many to emanate a sense of calm.

This calmness and balance is used by wearers to rid the mind of negativity, and help them go into deeper meditation.

To Conclude

Now that you know the answer to your question, “can lepidolite go in water” (NO!), and you are aware of the mineral’s care and keeping, enjoy your lepidolite in whichever form you have it.