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Petalite

A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About PetaliteHide

Formula:
LiAl(Si4O10)
Colour:
Colourless, white, grey, pink
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
Specific Gravity:
2.412 - 2.422
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
From the Greek "petalon" for leaf, in allusion to the perfect basal cleavage.

Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
3171
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3171:0
GUID
(UUID V4):
502ddc5f-71ad-4753-9f0d-aa2e294a5f09

IMA Classification of PetaliteHide

Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
LiAlSi4O10

Classification of PetaliteHide

9.EF.05

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
16.1.1

16 : Silicates Containing Aluminum and other Metals
1 : Aluminosilicates of Li

Mineral SymbolsHide

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.

SymbolSourceReference
PtlIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43
PtlWhitney & 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
PetThe 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 PetaliteHide

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}
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
2.412 - 2.422 g/cm3 (Measured)    2.4 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of PetaliteHide

Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.504 nβ = 1.510 nγ = 1.516
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.012
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness)
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:
Low
Dispersion:
r > v weak

Chemistry of PetaliteHide

Mindat Formula:
LiAl(Si4O10)
Common Impurities:
Mg,Fe,Na,Ca,K,H2O

Crystallography of PetaliteHide

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°
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 StructureHide

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IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0020423PetaliteRoss N L, Zhao J, Slebodnick C, Spencer E C, Chakoumakos B C (2015) Petalite under pressure: Elastic behavior and phase stability American Mineralogist 100 714-7212015Aracuai pegmatite district, Minas Gerais, Brazil0.0001293
0020424PetaliteRoss N L, Zhao J, Slebodnick C, Spencer E C, Chakoumakos B C (2015) Petalite under pressure: Elastic behavior and phase stability American Mineralogist 100 714-7212015Aracuai pegmatite district, Minas Gerais, Brazil0.32293
0020425PetaliteRoss N L, Zhao J, Slebodnick C, Spencer E C, Chakoumakos B C (2015) Petalite under pressure: Elastic behavior and phase stability American Mineralogist 100 714-7212015Aracuai pegmatite district, Minas Gerais, Brazil0.56293
0020426PetaliteRoss N L, Zhao J, Slebodnick C, Spencer E C, Chakoumakos B C (2015) Petalite under pressure: Elastic behavior and phase stability American Mineralogist 100 714-7212015Aracuai pegmatite district, Minas Gerais, Brazil0.89293
0020427PetaliteRoss N L, Zhao J, Slebodnick C, Spencer E C, Chakoumakos B C (2015) Petalite under pressure: Elastic behavior and phase stability American Mineralogist 100 714-7212015Aracuai pegmatite district, Minas Gerais, Brazil1.25293
0020428PetaliteRoss N L, Zhao J, Slebodnick C, Spencer E C, Chakoumakos B C (2015) Petalite under pressure: Elastic behavior and phase stability American Mineralogist 100 714-7212015Aracuai pegmatite district, Minas Gerais, Brazil2.71293
0010850PetaliteTagai T, Ried H, Joswig W, Korekawa M (1982) Kristallographische untersuchungen eines petalits mittels neutronenbeugung und transmissionselektronenmikroskopie Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 160 159-1701982Varutrask, Sweden0293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
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 EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks>3.0
34 : Complex granite pegmatites
Geological Setting:
Lithium-rich pegmatites.

Type Occurrence of PetaliteHide

Synonyms of PetaliteHide

Other Language Names for PetaliteHide

Dutch:Petaliet
Italian:Petalite
Latin:Castor
Low Saxon/Low German:Petalit
Polish:Petalit
Portuguese:Petalita
Simplified Chinese:透锂长石
Ukrainian:Петаліт

Common AssociatesHide

Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
12 photos of Petalite associated with Lepidolite
7 photos of Petalite associated with AlbiteNa(AlSi3O8)
7 photos of Petalite associated with Pollucite(Cs,Na)2(Al2Si4O12) · 2H2O
6 photos of Petalite associated with ElbaiteNa(Li1.5Al1.5)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH)
5 photos of Petalite associated with QuartzSiO2
4 photos of Petalite associated with Montmorillonite(Na,Ca)0.33(Al,Mg)2(Si4O10)(OH)2 · nH2O
4 photos of Petalite associated with MicroclineK(AlSi3O8)
3 photos of Petalite associated with MontebrasiteLiAl(PO4)(OH)
3 photos of Petalite associated with Nigerite Group
3 photos of Petalite associated with CleavelanditeNa(AlSi3O8)

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

9.EF.10SanborniteBa2(Si4O10)Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m)
9.EF.15SearlesiteNa(H2BSi2O7)Mon. 2 : P21
9.EF.20SilinaiteNaLiSi2O5 · 2H2OMon. 2/m
9.EF.25KanemiteHNaSi2O5 · 3H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma
9.EF.30Yakovenchukite-(Y)K3NaCaY2[Si12O30] · 4H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pcca

Other InformationHide

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 petrologyHide

An essential component of rock names highlighted in red, an accessory component in rock names highlighted in green.

Internet Links for PetaliteHide

References for PetaliteHide

Reference List:

Localities for PetaliteHide

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.

Locality ListHide

- 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). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Afghanistan
 
  • Laghman
    • Alingar District
Orris et al. (2002)
    • Alishing District
Orris et al. (2002)
  • Nuristan
    • Kamdesh District
Lyckberg (2011)
    • Nilaw-Kolum pegmatite field
Orris et al. (2002)
Angola
 
  • Namibe Province
    • Moçâmedes
      • Giraul pegmatite field
Antonio Olimpio Gonçalves et al. (2009) +1 other reference
Argentina
 
  • Salta Province
    • Cachi Department
      • Nevado de Palermo
López de Azarevich et al. (2021)
    • La Poma Department
      • El Quemado mining district
Galliski et al. (2006)
Australia
 
  • Western Australia
    • Coolgardie Shire
      • Nepean
Jacobson et al. (2007)
Report of the Department of Mines for ... +1 other reference
Jacobson et al. (2007)
    • Dundas Shire
      • Norseman
M. Jacobson +2 other references
Fetherston et al. (2013)
www.pioneerresources.com.au (2016)
Bhutan
 
  • Wangdue Phodrang District
Maciąg et al. (2019)
Brazil
 
  • Bahia
    • Brumado
      • Serra das Éguas
Rob Lavinsky
  • Minas Gerais
Rob Lavinsky
    • Itinga
      • Monte Belo
Cassedanne et al. (1981) +1 other reference
      • Taquaral
        • Piauí valley
Quéméneur et al. (1999)
Quéméneur et al. (1999)
    • São José da Safira
Canadian Mineralogist 38: 1399-1408 (2000)
  • Rio Grande do Norte
    • Equador
rruff.geo.arizona.edu (n.d.) +1 other reference
Canada
 
  • British Columbia
    • Revelstoke Mining Division
      • Revelstoke
DIXON et al. (2014) +1 other reference
  • Manitoba
Černá et al. (2002)
    • Lac-du-Bonnet area
      • Bernic Lake
Bull. Minéral. +1 other reference
Phillips (1978)
Bannatyne (1985)
Econ Geol (1995)
Bannatyne (1985)
153-155. +5 other references
      • Cat Lake - Winnipeg River pegmatite field
        • Donner Lake
Bannatyne (1985)
      • Greer Lake
Bannatyne (1985) +1 other reference
      • Rush Lake
Bannatyne (1985)
    • Red Cross Lake
Xianjue Wang et al. (2002) +2 other references
  • Northwest Territories
    • Yellowknife Pegmatite field
Northern Mineral Showings Database
  • Ontario
    • Kenora District
      • Pakeagama Lake Area
evidence of fractionation and ... +3 other references
      • Paterson Lake Area
Blackburn C. et al (2002)
Pedersen et al. (2002)
Blackburn C. et al (2002)
Kenora District Monthly Activity Summary +3 other references
      • Root Lake pegmatite group
        • Root Lake Area
Tindle et al. (2005)
[AmMin 84:992] +1 other reference
      • Treelined Lake Area
Ontario Ministry of Northern ...
    • Toronto county
Traill (1980)
  • Québec
    • Abitibi-Témiscamingue
      • Abitibi RCM
        • La Corne
Kirkland Lake - Rouyn-Noranda - Val d'Or +1 other reference
China
 
  • Hubei
    • Xianning
      • Tongcheng Co.
Yuyu Zhang and Rubo Zhang (2008)
  • Shaanxi
    • Shangluo
      • Shanyang County
Li et al. (2022)
  • Sichuan
    • Garzê Autonomous Prefecture (Ganzi Autonomous Prefecture)
      • Kangding County
        • Kangding pegmatite field
          • Jiajika Mine
Wang et al. (2022)
  • Xinjiang
    • Hotan Prefecture
      • Pishan Co. (Pixina Co.; Guma Co.)
Feng et al. (2019)
    • Yili Hasake Autonomous Prefecture (Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture)
      • Aletai Prefecture (Altay Prefecture)
        • Fuyun Co. (Koktokay Co.)
          • Koktokay pegmatite field (Keketuohai pegmatite field)
            • Altay Mine
Tianren Zou et al. (1986) +1 other reference
Czech Republic
 
  • South Bohemian Region
    • Český Krumlov District
      • Nová Ves
Welser +1 other reference
      • Rožmberk nad Vltavou
Vrána
  • Vysočina Region
    • Jihlava District
      • Puklice
Novak et al. (1996)
      • Velký Beranov
        • Jeclov
Staněk
    • Žďár nad Sázavou District
      • Bory
        • Dolní Bory
Novák et al. (2008)
DR Congo
 
  • Tanganyika
Dewaele et al. (2016)
Egypt
 
  • Red Sea Governorate
Gehad M. Saleh (2007)
Ethiopia
 
  • Oromia Region
    • Kenticha pegmatite field
Küster (2009)
Finland
 
  • Kanta-Häme
    • Tammela
Vesasalo (1959)
  • Päijänne Tavastia
    • Heinola
Mattila
  • Southwest Finland
    • Salo
      • Kisko
Ilkka Mikkola collection.
    • Somero
Wilke (1976) +1 other reference
France
 
  • Nouvelle-Aquitaine
    • Haute-Vienne
      • Limoges
        • Ambazac
Guide geologique de la Haute Vienne
        • La Jonchère-Saint-Maurice
perso.wanadoo.fr (2005)
        • Saint-Sylvestre
Italy
 
  • Tuscany
    • Livorno Province
      • Campo nell'Elba
Mineralogical Record (5)
Alessandro Genazzani collection
Barsotti et al. (2006)
            • Podere Liborio
F.Pezzotta (2008)
A. Beithaupt (1846)
Pezzotta et al. (1996)
P.Pezzotta confirm
        • Sant'Ilario in Campo
Barsotti et al. (2006)
            • Fosso Marcianella Pegmatite
Field Trip Excursion Programm IMA et al. (M.E. Ciriotti)
Japan
 
  • Fukuoka Prefecture
    • Fukuoka City
Yohei Shirose (2013) +1 other reference
Kazakhstan
 
  • East Kazakhstan Region
    • Irtysh River
Oitseva et al. (2017)
    • Kalba Range
      • Irtysh River
Oitseva et al. (2017)
    • Ulan District
Oitseva et al. (2017)
        • Krasnokordon
Oitseva et al. (2017)
        • Ungur
Oitseva et al. (2017)
Oitseva et al. (2017)
Zimanovskaya et al. (2022)
Mozambique
 
  • Zambezia Province
Wilson et al. (2000)
    • Gilé District
      • Muiane-Naipa group
Thomas et al. (2010)
Myanmar
 
  • Shan State
    • Kyaukme District
      • Momeik Township
Themelis (2008) +1 other reference
          • Khetchel village (Cache village; Khat Che village)
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
 
  • Erongo Region
    • Arandis Constituency
      • Cape Cross area
von Bezing (2007)
www.mineral.tu-freiberg.de (2003)
Keller (1991) +1 other reference
    • Dâures Constituency
von Bezing (2007)
Keller (1991)
Bezing et al. (2007)
Ashworth (2014)
Palache et al. (1951)
      • Daheim Farm 106
Keller (1991)
      • Etusis Farm 75
Keller (1991)
      • Karlsbrunn Farm 42
von Bezing (2007)
      • Okatjimukuju Farm 55 (Friedrichsfelde Farm)
P. Keller and O. von Knorring
Keller (1991)
Keller (1991)
      • Okongava Ost Farm 72
Mining Ann. Review (1985) +1 other reference
Keller (1991) +1 other reference
Keller (1991) +2 other references
Portugal
 
  • Guarda
    • Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo
      • Algodres, Vale de Afonsinho e Vilar de Amargo
Errandonea-Martin et al. (2022)
    • Guarda
Neiva et al. (2000) +2 other references
    • Vila Nova de Foz Côa
      • Almendra
Romeu Vieira (2007)
  • Porto
    • Amarante
      • Rebordelo
Teixeira & Lima (2005)
  • Vila Real
Lima et al. (2003) +1 other reference
Novák (2009)
Russia
 
  • Irkutsk Oblast
USGS Open File Report 2005-1252 p38 +3 other references
  • Murmansk Oblast
    • Lovozersky District
      • Karnasurt Mountain
D’yachkov et al. (2022)
  • Orenburg Oblast
Rakhimov +2 other references
  • Sverdlovsk Oblast
    • Rezhevsky District
      • Lipovsk pegmatite field
Igor.V. Pekov (2008)
  • Zabaykalsky Krai
    • Krasnochikoysky District
      • Krasnyi Chikoy
        • Malkhan pegmatite field
Grant (2001)
International Geological Congress (2008)
    • Shilkinsky District
Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.)
South Africa
 
  • Northern Cape
    • Namakwa District Municipality
      • Nama Khoi Local Municipality
        • Steinkopf
Gauert C et al. (2014)
Spain
 
  • Castile and Leon
Errandonea-Martin et al. (2022)
    • Salamanca
Roda-Robles M E et al. (2014)
Roda-Robles et al. (2010)
Encarnación Roda-Robles (2007) +1 other reference
Errandonea-Martin et al. (2022)
  • Galicia
    • Pontevedra
      • Forcarei
        • Forcarei South pegmatite field
Roza Llera +3 other references
Sweden
 
  • Norrbotten County
    • Jokkmokk
  • Stockholm County
    • Haninge
      • Utö
d’Andrada (1800) +2 other references
Selway et al. (2002)
  • Västerbotten County
    • Skellefteå
      • Skellefte mining district
Grensman et al. (1991)
Stibiomicrolite. Geologiska Föreningen ... +1 other reference
  • Västernorrland County
    • Sundsvall
Romer et al. (1997)
UK
 
  • England
    • Devon
      • West Devon
        • Okehampton Hamlets
McLintock (1923) +2 other references
Ukraine
 
  • Kirovohrad Oblast
    • Holovanivsk Raion
Kurylo et al. (2022)
  • Zaporizhia Oblast
    • Berdyansk Raion
      • Middle Berda River
        • Rodionovskoe pegmatite field
Shatalov (2017)
USA
 
  • California
    • San Diego County
      • Pala Mining District
        • Pala
          • Hiriart Mountain (Hariat Mtn; Harriot Mtn; Heriart Mtn; Heriot Mtn; Hiriat Hill)
Weber (1963)
Jahns et al. (1951)
      • Rincon Mining District
        • Rincon
          • Rincon Mountain
Hanley +4 other references
  • Connecticut
    • Middlesex County
      • Portland
        • Collins Hill
          • Strickland pegmatite
Ralph Lieser of Pappy’s Beryl Shop +3 other references
Moritz (n.d.)
  • Maine
    • Oxford County
      • Buckfield
Rocks & Min.: 62:403-404.
      • Greenwood
King et al. (1994)
Mineralogical Record 24: 382-383 +1 other reference
King et al. (1994)
      • Newry
King et al. (1994)
      • Norway
King et al. (1994)
      • Paris
King et al. (1994)
Guidebook 1 to Mineral Collecting in ... +1 other reference
      • Peru
King et al. (1994) +1 other reference
  • Massachusetts
    • Worcester County
      • Bolton
Yale Peabody Museum specimen # 6887. +1 other reference
Shepard
  • New Hampshire
    • Cheshire County
Morrill
    • Strafford County
      • Strafford
        • Parker Mountain
Rocks & Min.:64:504. +1 other reference
  • New Mexico
    • Taos County
Northrop et al. (1996)
Northrop et al. (1996) +1 other reference
  • North Carolina
    • Cleveland County
      • Kings Mountain
Wilson et al. (1978)
    • Mitchell County
  • South Dakota
    • Pennington County
      • Keystone Mining District
        • Keystone
Rocks & Minerals: 67 (6) +2 other references
  • Wisconsin
    • Florence County
      • Fern
Alexander Falster et al. (2018)
  • Wyoming
Rocks&Min 76:23-241
      • Bridger Mts (Bridger Range)
Rocks & Minerals 76:386
Meeves et al. (1966)
Hanley et al. (1950)
Zimbabwe
 
  • Harare
    • Enterprise tin field
159 pages. +1 other reference
  • Manicaland
    • Mutare District
Ackermann et al. (1968)
  • Mashonaland East
    • Goromonzi District
Mineralogical Magazine 1959 32 : 87-89
  • Masvingo
    • Bikita District
Walsh et al. (1997)
geology.csupomona.edu (2001) +1 other reference
  • Matabeleland North
    • Hwange District
      • Dete (Dett)
Rijks et al. (1972)
  • Matabeleland South
    • Insiza District
      • Pioneer village No. 2
HARRISON (N.M.)
 
Mineral and/or Locality  
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