Petalite

Shengus, Roundu District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

11,5x6x4 cm.

Probably very few collectors are familiar with this rare mineral species, making it ideal for those looking to enrich their collection with exclusive pieces. This is an exceptional and rarely-seen Petalite crystal from Pakistan, with significant size. It features an excellent external luster and a colorless, gem-quality inner body. The complex crystallization faces, only partially etched—unlike what is typically found—are easily recognizable. In addition to these qualities, it is worth noting the presence of a few small, semi-hidden green tourmaline crystals. Ex Umberto Torretta collection.

Petalite, also known as Castorite, is a lithium-aluminum silicate mineral, discovered by Brazilian naturalist Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva in 1800, that can be found in various locations globally, including Pakistan, particularly valued for its lithium content. It is commonly found in granitic pegmatites, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks that form in the final stages of magma crystallization. The geological formation of Petalite occurs in the late stages of magma crystallization, where the remaining melt becomes enriched with lithium and other volatile elements. Pegmatites, which host Petalite, also contain other lithium-bearing minerals like Spodumene, Lepidolite and Elbaite. Mining operations for Petalite often employ techniques like open-pit mining when the deposit is near the surface.

It has vitreous to pearly luster and ranges in transparency from transparent to translucent; this mineral is primarily white or colorless, although impurities can cause variations, such as pink or grey hues.

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