Petalite mineral specimens

Petalite mineral specimens

Petalite is a colourless to white and pink mineral which is rich in lithium.

Clear, gem-grade pieces are sometimes faceted for jewellery making, but this is uncommon. Some of the lower grade pink material is carved or cut en cabochon, but in terms of this industry it is usually just sold rough as specimen pieces.

It's main use is almost certainly as an ore of Lithium, one of the most important metals in the modern world, used to produce a wide range of batteries from mobile phones and 'vapes' to electric cars, scooters, and bikes. Lithium is also used as an antidepressant but I have no idea if this is derived from mineral forms like this.

Our current stock includes:

• Pieces from the Karibib Constituency, Erongo Region, Namibia, and is a white and pink material which bears a passing resemblance to lower grade pieces of Rhodonite or Rhodochrosite.
• Various sized specimens from Bikita, Zimbabwe