Petalite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Petalite
Formula:
LiAl(Si4O10)
Colour:
Colourless, white, grey, pink
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
6½
Specific Gravity:
2.412 - 2.422
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
From the Greek "petalon" for leaf, in allusion to the perfect basal cleavage.
Type Locality:
Visit gemdat.org for Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3171
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3171:0
IMA Classification of Petalite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
LiAlSi4O10
Classification of Petalite
9.EF.05
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
E : Phyllosilicates
F : Single nets with 6-membered rings, connected by M[4], M[8], etc.
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
E : Phyllosilicates
F : Single nets with 6-membered rings, connected by M[4], M[8], etc.
72.6.1.1
72 : PHYLLOSILICATES Two-Dimensional Infinite Sheets with Other Than Six-Membered Rings
6 : Two-Dimensional Infinite Sheets with Other Than Six-Membered Rings with tetrahedral Al cross-linking
72 : PHYLLOSILICATES Two-Dimensional Infinite Sheets with Other Than Six-Membered Rings
6 : Two-Dimensional Infinite Sheets with Other Than Six-Membered Rings with tetrahedral Al cross-linking
16.1.1
16 : Silicates Containing Aluminum and other Metals
1 : Aluminosilicates of Li
16 : Silicates Containing Aluminum and other Metals
1 : Aluminosilicates of Li
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
| Symbol | Source | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ptl | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Ptl | Whitney & Evans (2010) | Whitney, D.L. and Evans, B.W. (2010) Abbreviations for names of rock-forming minerals. American Mineralogist, 95, 185–187 doi:10.2138/am.2010.3371 |
| Pet | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download |
Physical Properties of Petalite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Comment:
Pearly on cleavage {001}
Colour:
Colourless, white, grey, pink
Streak:
White
Hardness:
6½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
Perfect on {001}
poor on {201}
Perfect on {001}
poor on {201}
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
2.412 - 2.422 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.4 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Petalite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.504 nβ = 1.510 nγ = 1.516
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.012
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
r > v weak
Chemistry of Petalite
Mindat Formula:
LiAl(Si4O10)
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Common Impurities:
Mg,Fe,Na,Ca,K,H2O
Crystallography of Petalite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P2/b
Cell Parameters:
a = 11.737 Å, b = 5.171 Å, c = 7.630 Å
β = 112.54°
β = 112.54°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 2.27 : 1 : 1.476
Unit Cell V:
427.71 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Tabular or elongated
Twinning:
Common on {001}, lamellar
Comment:
Non-reduced cell. Unit-cell parameters of reduced cell: a = 7.630, b = 5.17, c = 11.28 Å, 106.1°.
Crystal Structure
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0020423 | Petalite | Ross N L, Zhao J, Slebodnick C, Spencer E C, Chakoumakos B C (2015) Petalite under pressure: Elastic behavior and phase stability American Mineralogist 100 714-721 | 2015 | Aracuai pegmatite district, Minas Gerais, Brazil | 0.0001 | 293 | |
| 0020424 | Petalite | Ross N L, Zhao J, Slebodnick C, Spencer E C, Chakoumakos B C (2015) Petalite under pressure: Elastic behavior and phase stability American Mineralogist 100 714-721 | 2015 | Aracuai pegmatite district, Minas Gerais, Brazil | 0.32 | 293 | |
| 0020425 | Petalite | Ross N L, Zhao J, Slebodnick C, Spencer E C, Chakoumakos B C (2015) Petalite under pressure: Elastic behavior and phase stability American Mineralogist 100 714-721 | 2015 | Aracuai pegmatite district, Minas Gerais, Brazil | 0.56 | 293 | |
| 0020426 | Petalite | Ross N L, Zhao J, Slebodnick C, Spencer E C, Chakoumakos B C (2015) Petalite under pressure: Elastic behavior and phase stability American Mineralogist 100 714-721 | 2015 | Aracuai pegmatite district, Minas Gerais, Brazil | 0.89 | 293 | |
| 0020427 | Petalite | Ross N L, Zhao J, Slebodnick C, Spencer E C, Chakoumakos B C (2015) Petalite under pressure: Elastic behavior and phase stability American Mineralogist 100 714-721 | 2015 | Aracuai pegmatite district, Minas Gerais, Brazil | 1.25 | 293 | |
| 0020428 | Petalite | Ross N L, Zhao J, Slebodnick C, Spencer E C, Chakoumakos B C (2015) Petalite under pressure: Elastic behavior and phase stability American Mineralogist 100 714-721 | 2015 | Aracuai pegmatite district, Minas Gerais, Brazil | 2.71 | 293 | |
| 0010850 | Petalite | Tagai T, Ried H, Joswig W, Korekawa M (1982) Kristallographische untersuchungen eines petalits mittels neutronenbeugung und transmissionselektronenmikroskopie Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 160 159-170 |  | 1982 | Varutrask, Sweden | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.731 Å | (100) |
| 3.672 Å | (34) |
| 3.649 Å | (24) |
| 3.510 Å | (16) |
| 1.934 Å | (7) |
| 2.570 Å | (6) |
| 2.071 Å | (5) |
Comments:
Harare, Zimbabwe. ICDD 14-90.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 34 : Complex granite pegmatites |
Geological Setting:
Lithium-rich pegmatites.
Type Occurrence of Petalite
Synonyms of Petalite
Other Language Names for Petalite
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 12 photos of Petalite associated with Lepidolite | |
| 7 photos of Petalite associated with Pollucite | (Cs,Na)2(Al2Si4O12) · 2H2O |
| 7 photos of Petalite associated with Albite | Na(AlSi3O8) |
| 6 photos of Petalite associated with Elbaite | Na(Li1.5Al1.5)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) |
| 5 photos of Petalite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 4 photos of Petalite associated with Microcline | K(AlSi3O8) |
| 4 photos of Petalite associated with Montmorillonite | (Na,Ca)0.33(Al,Mg)2(Si4O10)(OH)2 · nH2O |
| 3 photos of Petalite associated with Nigerite Group | |
| 3 photos of Petalite associated with Montebrasite | LiAl(PO4)(OH) |
| 3 photos of Petalite associated with Cleavelandite | Na(AlSi3O8) |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 9.EF.10 | Sanbornite | BaSi2O5 |
| 9.EF.15 | Searlesite | Na(H2BSi2O7) |
| 9.EF.20 | Silinaite | NaLiSi2O5 · 2H2O |
| 9.EF.25 | Kanemite | HNaSi2O5 · 3H2O |
| 9.EF.30 | Yakovenchukite-(Y) | K3NaCaY2[Si12O30] · 4H2O |
Other Information
Thermal Behaviour:
Thermoluminescent
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Industrial Uses:
Lithium ore
Petalite in petrology
An essential component of rock names highlighted in red, an accessory component in rock names highlighted in green.
Internet Links for Petalite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3171.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Petalite
Reference List:
Nel, H. J. (1946) Petalite and amblygonite from Karibib, South West Africa. American Mineralogist, 31 (1-2) 51-57
ROY, RUSTUM, ROY, DELLA M., OSBORN, E. F. (1950) Compositional and Stability Relationships Among the Lithium Aluminosilicates: Eucryptite, Spodumene, and Petalite. Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 33 (5). 152-159 doi:10.1111/j.1151-2916.1950.tb12780.x
Zemann-Hedlik, Anna, Zemann, J. (1954) Zur Kenntnis der Kristallstruktur von Petalit. Die Naturwissenschaften, 41 (20). 476-477 doi:10.1007/bf00628802
Zemann-Hedlik, A., Zemann, J. (1955) Die Kristallstruktur von Petalit, LiAlSi4O10. Acta Crystallographica, 8 (12) 781-787 doi:10.1107/s0365110x55002405
Tagai, Tokuhei, Ried, Holger, Joswig, Werner, Korekawa, Masaaki (1982) Kristallographische Untersuchungen eines Petalits mittels Neutronenbeugung und Transmissionselektronenmikroskopie. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, 160 (3). 159-170 doi:10.1524/zkri.1982.160.3-4.159
Charoy, B., Noronha, F., Lima, A. (2001) Spodumene – petalite – eucryptite: mutual relationships and pattern of alteration in Li-rich aplite-pegmatite dykes from northern Portugal. The Canadian Mineralogist, 39 (3). 729-746 doi:10.2113/gscanmin.39.3.729
Shannon, Robert D., Shannon, Ruth C., Medenbach, Olaf, Fischer, Reinhard X. (2002) Refractive Index and Dispersion of Fluorides and Oxides. Journal of Physical and Chemical Reference Data, 31 (4) 931-970 doi:10.1063/1.1497384
Cressey, G. (2004) W.A. Deer, R.A. Howie, W.S. Wise and J. Zussman. Rock-Forming Minerals. Volume 4B. Second Edition. Framework Silicates: Silica Minerals, Feldspathoids and the Zeolites.
London (The Geological Society) 2004, xv + 982 pp. £125 (£62.50 to GSL members) ISBN 1-86239-144-0. Hardback. Mineralogical Magazine, 68 (5) 831-832 doi:10.1180/0680831pp.271-275
Localities for Petalite
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Afghanistan | |
| Orris et al. (2002) |
| Orris et al. (2002) |
| Lyckberg (2011) |
| Orris et al. (2002) |
Angola | |
| Goodenough et al. (2025) |
| Antonio Olimpio Gonçalves et al. (2009) +1 other reference | |
Argentina | |
| López de Azarevich et al. (2021) |
| Galliski et al. (2006) |
Australia | |
| Jacobson et al. (2007) |
| Report of the Department of Mines for ... +1 other reference | |
| Jacobson et al. (2007) | |
| Pegmaites of Western Australia +2 other references |
| Fetherston et al. (2013) | |
| www.pioneerresources.com.au (2016) | |
Bhutan | |
| Maciąg et al. (2019) |
Brazil | |
| Rob Lavinsky |
| Lavinsky (n.d.) |
| Cassedanne et al. (1981) +1 other reference |
| Quéméneur et al. (1999) |
| Quéméneur et al. (1999) | |
| Canadian Mineralogist 38: 1399-1408 (2000) |
| rruff.geo.arizona.edu (n.d.) +1 other reference |
Canada | |
| Breasley et al. (2024) |
| Dixon et al. (2014) +1 other reference |
| Černá et al. (2002) |
| Bull. Minéral. +1 other reference |
| Phillips (1978) | |
| Bannatyne (1985) | |
| Econ Geol (1995) | |
| Bannatyne (1985) | |
| 153-155. +7 other references | |
| Brennan et al. (2024) |
| Bannatyne (1985) |
| Bannatyne (1985) +1 other reference |
| Bannatyne (1985) |
| Xianjue Wang et al. (2002) +2 other references |
| Northern Mineral Showings Database |
| Ontario MDI Number: MDI53C11SW00003 +3 other references |
| Blackburn C. et al (2002) |
| Pedersen et al. (2002) | |
| Blackburn C. et al (2002) | |
| Kenora District Monthly Activity Summary +3 other references | |
| Tindle et al. (2005) |
| [AmMin 84:992] +1 other reference | |
| Ontario Ministry of Northern ... |
| Traill (1983) |
| Sabina (2003) +1 other reference |
China | |
| Yuyu Zhang and Rubo Zhang (2008) |
| Li et al. (2022) |
| Wang et al. (2021) |
| Fu et al. (2025) |
| Feng et al. (2019) |
| Tianren Zou et al. (1986) +1 other reference |
Czech Republic | |
| Welser +1 other reference |
| Vrána (2013) |
| Novák et al. (1996) |
| Staněk |
| Novák et al. (2008) |
DR Congo | |
| Dewaele et al. (2016) |
Egypt | |
| Saleh (2007) |
Ethiopia | |
| Küster et al. (2009) |
Finland | |
| Vesasalo (1959) |
| Szentpéteri et al. (2024) | |
| Mattila |
| Ilkka Mikkola collection |
| Wilke (1976) +1 other reference |
France | |
| Guide geologique de la Haute Vienne |
| perso.wanadoo.fr (2005) |
| |
Italy | |
| Orlandi et al. (1985) |
| Alessandro Genazzani collection | |
| Barsotti et al. (2006) | |
| F.Pezzotta (2008) |
| A. Beithaupt (1846) | |
| Pezzotta et al. (1996) | |
| P.Pezzotta confirm | |
| Barsotti et al. (2006) |
| Field Trip Excursion Programm IMA et al. (M.E. Ciriotti) |
| Vogt (1910) | |
Japan | |
| Yohei Shirose and Seiichiro Uehara (2013) +1 other reference |
Kazakhstan | |
| Oitseva et al. (2017) |
| Oitseva et al. (2017) |
| Oitseva et al. (2017) |
| Oitseva et al. (2017) |
| Oitseva et al. (2017) |
| Oitseva et al. (2017) | |
| Shen et al. (2025) | |
| Khromykh et al. (2020) | |
| Zimanovskaya et al. (2022) | |
Mozambique | |
| Wilson et al. (2000) |
| Thomas et al. (2010) |
Myanmar | |
| Themelis (2008) +1 other reference |
| Heo et al. (2020) |
| Heo et al. (2020) | |
| Ertl et al. (2007) +1 other reference | |
| Dr. Kyaw Khaing Win data +1 other reference | |
| Maung Kyaw Khaing Win (2003) | |
Namibia | |
| www.mineral.tu-freiberg.de (2003) |
| Keller (1991) +2 other references | |
| von Bezing (2007) |
| Keller (1991) | |
| Bezing et al. (2007) | |
| Ashworth (2014) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) | |
| Keller (1991) |
| Keller (1991) |
| von Bezing (2007) |
| Keller et al. (1989) |
| Keller (1991) | |
| Keller (1991) | |
| Mining Ann. Review (1985) +1 other reference |
| Keller (1991) +1 other reference | |
| Keller (1991) +2 other references | |
Portugal | |
| Errandonea-Martin et al. (2022) |
| Neiva et al. (2000) +1 other reference |
| Romeu Vieira (2007) |
| Teixeira & Lima (2005) |
| Garate-Olave et al. (2024) |
| Lima et al. (2003) +2 other references | |
| Novák et al. (2009) |
Russia | |
| USGS Open File Report 2005-1252 p38 +3 other references |
| D’yachkov et al. (2022) |
| Rakhimov +2 other references |
| Igor.V. Pekov (2008) |
| Rizzo et al. (2025) |
| Grant (2001) | |
| International Geological Congress (2008) | |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
South Africa | |
| Gauert C et al. (2014) |
Spain | |
| Dill et al. (2023) |
| Errandonea-Martin et al. (2022) +1 other reference |
| Roda-Robles M E et al. (2014) |
| Errandonea-Martin et al. (2022) |
| Roda-Robles et al. (2010) | |
| Encarnación Roda-Robles (2007) +1 other reference | |
| Roza Llera +3 other references |
Sweden | |
| - (n.d.) |
| |
| d' Andrada [e Silva] (1800) +2 other references |
| Selway et al. (2002) | |
| Grensman et al. (1991) |
| Quensel (1937) +1 other reference | |
| Romer et al. (1997) |
UK | |
| McLintock (1923) +2 other references |
Ukraine | |
| Kurylo et al. (2022) +1 other reference |
| Shatalov (2017) |
USA | |
| Weber (1963) |
| Jahns et al. (1951) | |
| Hanley +4 other references |
| Ralph Lieser of Pappy’s Beryl Shop +3 other references |
| Moritz (n.d.) | |
| Rocks & Min.: 62:403-404. |
| King et al. (1994) |
| King et al. (1993) +1 other reference | |
| King et al. (1994) | |
| King et al. (1994) |
| King et al. (1994) |
| King et al. (1994) |
| Guidebook 1 to Mineral Collecting in ... +1 other reference | |
| King et al. (1994) +1 other reference |
| Yale Peabody Museum specimen # 6887. +1 other reference |
| Shepard | |
| Morrill |
| Rocks & Min.:64:504. +1 other reference |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
| Northrop et al. (1996) +1 other reference | |
| Wilson et al. (1978) |
| |
| Rocks & Minerals: 67 (6) +2 other references |
| Alexander Falster et al. (2018) |
| Rocks&Min 76:23-241 |
| Hausel et al. (2001) |
| Meeves et al. (1966) | |
| Hanley et al. (1950) | |
Zimbabwe | |
| 159 pages. +1 other reference |
| Ackermann et al. (1968) |
| Martin (2020) |
| Sibanda (2020) +1 other reference |
| Mineralogical Magazine 1959 32 : 87-89 |
| Walsh et al. (1997) |
| geology.csupomona.edu (2001) +1 other reference | |
| Rijks et al. (1972) |
| HARRISON (N.M.) |
Quick NavTopAbout PetaliteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationPetalite in petrologyInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Utö Mines, Utö, Haninge, Stockholm County, Sweden