'lepidolite' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'lepidos' and 'lithos', where 'lepidos' meant 'scale' and 'lithos' meant 'stone' (with the mineral-forming suffix '-ite').

'lepidolite' was formed via Neo-Latin/Latinized mineral-naming practices (e.g., forms like 'lepidolith-') derived from Greek roots and was adopted into English scientific usage in the 19th century as 'lepidolite'.

Initially it meant 'scale-stone' (referring to the scaly appearance); over time it has come to refer specifically to the scaly, lithium-bearing mica mineral known today.