Monday, June 30, 2014

Lepidolite / Lithium Mica– Mineral Info & Healing Properties of the “Happy Crystal”



Lepidolite is a member of the mica family and is colored purple, lavender, lilac, pink, pale yellow, colorless or gray by the presence of lithium. This is a very soft, but flexible mineral with a Mohs hardness of 2.5-3. 

Lepidolite crystals are translucent, pearly and reflective.  It grows in pseudohexagonal or botryoidal crystals, reniform masses or in flat, interlocking plates.  Layers of lepidolite crystals can easily be separated from each other into books, sheets or thin flakes.  The crystals that are flat like this are also called blades.  These photos are of bladed crystals. 

Lepidolite should not be confused with pink muscovite, also a member of the mica family, but a different mineral which is usually not colored by lithium. Muscovite is a potassium mica, but lepidolite is a lithium mica.

Lepidolite is an important source of lithium and the rare minerals rubidium and caesium.  Lepidolite is also used in the production of glass, ceramics and enamels, among other things.

Metaphysically, lepidolite is a stone of purification, balance, empathy, release, acceptance and presence. It is a great stone to assist anyone going through painful or stressful times. Its calming and soothing energy inspires an acceptance of “what is”, making this one of the best stones for those practicing the art of letting go of pain, resentment, resistance and aversion, an important part of Buddhist practices. It is the best stone that I know of for anyone who is committed to releasing their identification with the ego, “story” and/or “pain body”.

Lepidolite acts on all chakras, but is especially helpful with the heart chakra, third eye and crown chakra. It is ruled by the element of water and works very well with water. Placing it in the bathtub with you will enhance your relaxation experience. It can also heal the body by being placed directly on the point of pain, injury or disease. Placing under pillow can help prevent nightmares and promote a more restful sleep. Its potential to calm, soothe and heal is increased when used in combination with positive affirmations.

The metaphysical properties of stones with lithium can be very beneficial for anyone with emotional suffering or mood disorders. Lithium is used medically to treat bipolar disorder and depression because it helps to stabilize the mood and brings about a sense of well-being. Using a stone with lithium for gem therapy allows you to take advantage of the healing properties of lithium present in the stone’s EMF (electromagnetic field) without taking any medication. Many people report that just holding stones like lepidolite or lithium quartz brings about a feeling of calm, well-being and positivity.

Lepidolite is very helpful for use with issues of a mental or emotional nature, but it also has a healing effect on the entire body, but especially on the immune system (particularly with allergies), the skin, the nervous system (particularly the brain) and the endocrine system (particularly the pituitary and reproductive glands). 

I am now carrying lepidolite blades at DoodlepunkArt.  I have many crystals that are not online, so if I am currently sold out, please convo me through my shop and I’ll be glad to add some new lepidolite crystals for you.