lepidolite

American  

[li-pid-l-ahyt, lep-i-dl-] / lɪˈpɪd lˌaɪt, ˈlɛp ɪ dl- /

noun

1. a mineral of the mica group, potassium lithium aluminum silicate, commonly occurring in lilac, rose-colored, or whitish scaly masses: an ore of lithium.

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lepidolite British  

/ lɪˈpɪdəˌlaɪt, ˈlɛpɪdəˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a lilac, pink, or greyish mica consisting of a hydrous silicate of lithium, potassium, aluminium, and fluorine, containing rubidium as an impurity: a source of lithium and rubidium. Formula: K 2 Li 3 Al 4 Si 7 O 21 (OH,F) 3

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Etymology

Origin of lepidolite

First recorded in 1790–1800; lepido- + -lite

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lepidolite

UBS analysts see China’s supply of lithium from lepidolite tripling to 280,000 metric tons, or 13% of global supply, between 2022 and 2025, well short of Yichun’s target.

From Reuters ● Jun. 15, 2023

Separating lithium from lepidolite can cost as much as 100,000 yuan per metric ton, compared to 40,000-50,000 yuan for brine and 50,000-60,000 yuan for spodumene, analysts said.

From Reuters ● Jun. 15, 2023

To draw investment, the city has rolled out a raft of sweeteners in recent years, targeting 500,000 metric tons a year of lithium carbonate production from lepidolite and other sources.

From Reuters ● Jun. 15, 2023

At the same time, concern is growing about the environmental impact of extracting lithium ore from lepidolite, which has already led Yichun authorities to shut some plants, further challenging the country’s drive for self-reliance.

From Reuters ● Jun. 15, 2023

In rocks containing quartz, muscovite or lepidolite are most common.

From The Student's Elements of Geology by Lyell, Charles, Sir