It occurs in pegmatites often associated with triphylite, the iron end member in a solid solution series.

The mineral with intermediate composition is known as sicklerite and has the chemical formula Li(Mn,Fe)PO4).

[3] Lithiophylite is a resinous reddish to yellowish brown mineral crystallizing in the orthorhombic system often as slender prisms.

[3] The largest documented single crystal of lithiophilite was found in New Hampshire, US, measured 2.44×1.83×1.22 m3 and weighed about 20 tonnes.

[5] The synthetic form of triphylite, lithium iron phosphate, is a promising material for the production of lithium-ion batteries.