Most specimens of lepidolite have pink, red or purple as their dominant hue. These are the expected colors of lepidolite. The mineral sometimes has a dark tone, which gives it a grayish appearance. Rare specimens of lepidolite are colorless or yellow.

Many people assume that lithium produces the color of lepidolite; however, lithium rarely serves as a chromophore in minerals. Manganese is the cause of color in pink, red and purple lepidolites.