The facts
What petalite actually is
The species behind petalite is petalite, LiAlSi₄O₁₀; it forms in the monoclinic system.
Not documented — no chromophore is named in the gemmological literature for its colourless, pale pink and pale grey range; claims that pink is irradiation-induced are unsupported is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 1.504–1.516 and a specific gravity of about 2.39–2.46, with perfect {001} — the name comes from the Greek for leaf, after this cleavage cleavage.
Where petalite comes from
Commercial material comes from Elba, Italy (type locality), Aracuaí, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Bikita, Zimbabwe and Nuristan, Afghanistan.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How petalite is treated
No known gem treatments. A collector stone: the perfect basal cleavage and low RI make it a difficult cut and an unwise ring stone. Industrially far more important as a lithium ore for ceramics and batteries than as a gem.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What petalite is confused with
Watch for Rock crystal, Pollucite, Danburite, Glass and Colourless topaz — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.504–1.516 and specific gravity 2.39–2.46 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What petalite is used for
The trades that buy petalite are mineral collecting, jewellery, heavy industry and technical and precision components. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen, by the carat or by the tonne.
Durability and care
Petalite is 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale, with perfect {001} — the name comes from the Greek for leaf, after this cleavage cleavage.
Hardness is not the whole story. Perfect cleavage means the stone can split cleanly if struck along the wrong plane, whatever its Mohs number, so a protective setting matters more here than the hardness suggests.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What petalite costs
Expect roughly $20–150/ct, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is petalite treated, and how?
No known gem treatments. A collector stone: the perfect basal cleavage and low RI make it a difficult cut and an unwise ring stone. Industrially far more important as a lithium ore for ceramics and batteries than as a gem.
Where does petalite come from?
Elba, Italy (type locality), Aracuaí, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Bikita, Zimbabwe and Nuristan, Afghanistan. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is petalite hard enough to wear every day?
With care. It is 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale, which is hard enough, but perfect {001} — the name comes from the Greek for leaf, after this cleavage cleavage means it can split if struck at the wrong angle. Use a protective setting and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.
How much does petalite cost?
Indicatively $20–150/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is petalite confused with?
Most often Rock crystal, Pollucite, Danburite, Glass and Colourless topaz. A refractive index of 1.504–1.516 and a specific gravity near 2.39–2.46 separate it quickly.
What is petalite used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, heavy industry and technical and precision components. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for petalite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about petalite