Lepidolite, Albite

This attractive specimen features massive pale lilac lepidolite alongside albite. The lepidolite shows good crystalline development and a gentle pearly sheen typical of fine lithium-rich micas. The old accompanying label attributes the specimen to the Newry Mine, Maine, though the material bears a strong resemblance to classic Dunton pegmatite material from the same region. Pegmatites of western Maine are well known for producing lithium minerals, but well-crystallized lepidolite of this character is not commonly encountered on the market. An unusual and seldom-seen example of lepidolite-bearing pegmatite, and a fine addition to a mica suite or a collection focused on classic New England pegmatites. Ex Peter Tarassoff collection.