Min. [f. Gr. λεπιδο-, λεπίς scale + -LITE.] A variety of mica containing lithia.
1796. Kirwan, Elem. Min. (ed. 2), I. 208. Lepidolite, Lilalite of some.
1837. Dana, Min., 264. A violet variety [of common mica] occurring in small scales, has been distinguished by the name lepidolite.
1863. Fownes’ Chem., 298. The best material for the preparation of rubidium, is lepidolite, which has been found to contain … 0·2 per cent. of that metal.
1879. Rutley, Stud. Rocks, x. 134. Before the blowpipe lepidolite colours the flame purple-red.
