A Lilac Stone

Lepidolite
(Potassium lithium aluminum silicate hydroxide fluoride)

"Lepidolite is an uncommon mica and has only in the past decade become available on the mineral market in large quantities. Lepidolite is an ore of lithium and forms in granitic masses that contain a substantial amount of lithium. The lithium content in lepidolite does vary greatly however and low lithium lepidolite is nearly useless as an ore of lithium. The typical violet to pink color of lepidolite is characteristic and is the only field test available to identify lepidolite from other micas. Pink muscovite or very pale lepidolite may confuse an identification." Quoted from Amethyst Galleries' Mineral Gallery.

I guess its uncommoness is why the price tag had "limited" on it. Fortunately, it didn't set me back too much! I was intrigued by the color and the luster. It's both vitreous and pearly, and while it has a hardness index of 2.5, it has survived my handling.

In the this handcrafted necklace, I combined the pearly lilac with a pearly lime-green mother of pearl and the "watermelon" colored Swarovski crystal. The 14k gold-fill works well with this combination; I used copper in another necklace made from this stone, but pictures are not yet available.

I'll be listing this necklace in my Etsy shop by the weekend. These past few days of feeling slayed by the Yucks has put me way behind on my "must do" list. And cool of all coolness, I just now received a phone call about another networking opportunity to take place tomorrow! Must figure out a way to BUY more time!!