Comparison · Minerals
Fluorite vs Lepidolite
Fluorite and Lepidolite are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Fluorite is harder (Mohs 4) than Lepidolite (Mohs 2.5), so Fluorite will scratch Lepidolite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Fluorite and Lepidolite
- Fluorite is harder (Mohs 4) than Lepidolite (Mohs 2.5), so Fluorite will scratch Lepidolite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not.
- Luster is different: Fluorite is vitreous while Lepidolite is pearly.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Fluorite is transparent, Lepidolite is translucent.
- They overlap in purple and pink, but Fluorite also comes in green, blue, yellow, and clear.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Fluorite is cubic, Lepidolite is monoclinic.
Fluorite vs Lepidolite properties
| Property | Fluorite | Lepidolite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 4 | 2.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | pearly |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.2 | 2.85 |
| Crystal system | cubic | monoclinic |
| Common colors | Purple, Green, Blue, Yellow, Colorless, Pink | Pink, Purple, Lilac, Rose |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$200+ | $5–$100+ |
Which is more valuable?
Fluorite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $25 against $20 for Lepidolite, and premium Fluorite can reach $200 or more.
About Fluorite
Fluorite is a colorful mineral that often exhibits multiple colors in a single specimen. It's the defining mineral for 4 on the Mohs hardness scale.
About Lepidolite
Lepidolite is a pink to purple lithium-bearing mica. It's an important source of lithium and valued for its soft lavender color.
Fluorite vs Lepidolite FAQ
Is Fluorite the same as Lepidolite?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Fluorite is harder (Mohs 4) than Lepidolite (Mohs 2.5), so Fluorite will scratch Lepidolite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not.
How can you tell Fluorite from Lepidolite?
Fluorite is harder (Mohs 4) than Lepidolite (Mohs 2.5), so Fluorite will scratch Lepidolite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not. Luster is different: Fluorite is vitreous while Lepidolite is pearly. Hold a thin edge to the light: Fluorite is transparent, Lepidolite is translucent.
Which is harder, Fluorite or Lepidolite?
Fluorite is harder: Mohs 4 against Mohs 2.5 for Lepidolite.
Which is more valuable, Fluorite or Lepidolite?
Fluorite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $25 against $20 for Lepidolite, and premium Fluorite can reach $200 or more.
