Colorless material is common and large crystals have been mined. Petalite occurs in lithium bearing pegmatites with spodumene lepidolite and tourmaline. Petalite develops in moderately flat horizontal crystals. Petalite s name is derived from the greek petalos leaf referring to its perfect cleavage. Stones with colour are sometimes cut into cabochons.
Rarely are these types used as a lapidary material. Although colorless glassy crystals can make stunning faceted jewelry pieces beautiful pale gray white yellow and pink stones can also be found. While the clear material is preferred in gemstone specimens petalite can also be found in grayish white to faint pinkish colors. Petalite is named after greek petalon leaf because of its perfect cleavage. Other petalite colors include white to yellow or gray yellowish green to light green and pink.
Petalite was first discovered in sweden in the 18th century. Petalite usually comes colorless or in gray or yellow. Gem cutters occasionally cab massive pink material from namibia. Petalite is a rarely seen stone often sought after by collectors. Featuring a clear eye clean transparency its vitreous luster makes it an ideal colorless stone.
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It s often mistaken as a diamond or a pink tourmaline but its composition is very different. The transparent variety of this stone is called castorite. A rare gemstone petalite is found in small deposits in canada usa brazil italy namibia mozambique zimbabwe russia burma australia. Well formed crystals are rare it is usually found in its massive form. Cut petalite stones exhibit a glassy appearance and can be confused with glass.Cut petalite stones exhibit a glassy appearance and can be confused with glass. It s often mistaken as a diamond or a pink tourmaline but its composition is very different. Petalite was first discovered in sweden in the 18th century. Rarely are these types used as a lapidary material. Colorless material is common and large crystals have been mined.
