Lepidolite and Muscovite (unusual intergrowth)

Item Description

Mica species are not often seen in collector quality display specimens, as it is often viewed as an associated mineral. A pegmatite in the Aracuai district has produced these beautiful and contrasting specimens of rare bi-colored "Lepidolite" and Muscovite mica. It should be noted that Lepidolite is no longer a valid mineral species, and according to mindat.org, it is a "Li-rich mica in, or close to, the so-called Polylithionite-Trilithionite series." With that said, this piece is a beautiful slice/cleavage of this gorgeous dual-colored mica with a strong purple "Lepidolite" rim and a silvery core of Muscovite in the center. Very attractive with beautiful form and coloration!