Extraordinary Yellow & Salmon-Pink Lepidolite Pendant and Necklace (YEL-006)
This remarkable Yellow and Salmon Pink Lepidolite Pendant & Necklace is a real attention-getter. The Pendant shows the variety of shades that are the hallmark Lepidolite, including bright yellow crystal-like formations. The necklace includes Salmon-Pink Lepidolite with splashes of the yellow crystals, and wavy rectangular stones that are predominately Yellow Lepidolite, with deep grey to very dark purple colorations. The Lepidolite Mica in Miriam’s necklace is natural. In fact, Lepidolite is not known to be enhanced in any way.Every gorgeous Lepidolite Mica in this Necklace, including the Pendant is reversible. (Shown here are two sets of photos, to show both the front and back of this amazing and unusual necklace.)
- Full length of the necklace is approximately 20.5 inches, including the decorative Hammered Sterling Silver clasp.
- The 8 wavy rectangular Lepidolites are 24x18mm and 7mm deep.
- The 6 round Lepidolites are 24mm in diameter and 6.5mm deep at their centers.
- The four Flat Tire-shaped Sterling Silver beads are 8mm in diameter and 4mm deep.
- The 4 Round Sterling Silver beads are 6mm.
- The 12 Lepidolite spacers are 4mm.
- The necklace is strung on a strong but flexible 0.019, 49-strand stainless steel wire that is nylon coated.
Lepidolite belongs to the mica group of materials and Is not actually defined as stone.Specifically it is a lithium, aluminum-rich mica. It was discovered in the 18th century and called "lilalite" because it was first found in its lavender color. It was later named Lepidolite from the Greek lepidos, which means "scale", referring to its scaly appearance—which is caused by flakes of lithium. Yes, the same lithium that is used in rechargeable batteries, aircraft parts and domestic appliances (toasters and microwave ovens, mobile phones, air purifiers), and mood-stabilizing drugs. For ornamental use, however, Lepidolite is used to make paperweights, and other ornamental products. Gemstones, like the ones used by Miriam, are most often are cut to maintain its flakey and pebbly-like appearance, which also has a subtle pearly-like luster.
Do you the difference between Lepidolite and Muscovite? Miriam suspects that the Mica she used is a combination of Lepidolite and Muscovite, a very similar form of Mica. Some Lepidolite, especially the pale salmon pink color, is difficult to differentiate from Muscovite. In fact, the amount of yellow crystal-like features of these stones also makes it hard to differentiate from Muscovite – except by the most expert geologists. Because of the abundant yellow, particularly in the wavy rectangular Lepidolites, Miriam thinks the Mica in this necklace may have been sourced from Brazil—which is known for its Yellow Lepidolite (called Golden Star Muscovite). Other sources of Lepidolite include Russia, the USA, Canada, Sweden, Germany, Finland, the Czech Republic, Japan, Zimbabwe and Madagascar.