Lepidolite

specimen number:
2072371

location:
Usakos, Karibib, Erongo, Namibia

description:

A fine zoned hexagonal crystal of lepidolite. Attractive when backlit as shown in the video and picture. The specimen comes with a previous collection data card from Renard Vochten of Antwerp, Belgium.

The Usakos district, located in the Erongo Region of central Namibia, is situated within the Damara Orogen, a complex geological belt formed during the Neoproterozoic era. Geologically, the area is characterized by highly fractionated granitic pegmatites that intruded into marble and schist units, creating rich deposits of lithium-bearing minerals and gemstones. The locality is a significant source of lepidolite, which occurs as massive, fine-grained purple aggregates and as scaly, micaceous crystals within the lithium-rich zones of the pegmatites. Historically, mining and quarrying in the Usakos area began in the early 20th century, with a notable increase in activity during the 1930s and 1940s as global demand for lithium and tantalum grew. Operations at various claims, such as those in the nearby Karibib pegmatite field, have fluctuated over the decades depending on market prices for industrial minerals. As of 2026, the region around Usakos remains an active hub for both industrial-scale mining of lithium ores and the artisanal recovery of high-quality mineral specimens, including vibrant lepidolite and associated tourmaline.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.