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

Further dimming the outlook for lepidolite, environmental damage is a growing concern.

From Reuters • Jun. 15, 2023

Yichun, a city of 5 million people surrounded by forest-covered mountains rich with lepidolite, is leading that push.

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

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

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

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