Petalite Stone: Properties, Benefits & Meanings
Petalite Stone Overview
The Petalite stone is a beautiful pink/transparent crystal that can be worn as jewelry or used in meditation or healing. It’s known for its soothing energy and ability to balance emotions. Petalite was discovered relatively recently by a Brazilian naturalist, Jose Benefacio.
It has seen applications in the jewelry as well as the ceramics industry. This article will take a look into the properties, meanings, and uses of the Petalite stone.
What Is Petalite Stone?
Petalite is a transparent stone that can occur in pink color as well. The transparent variety of this stone is often used in jewelry because of its striking appearance and eye-catching luster.
Petalite is related to the Crown chakra and is said to symbolize purity and serenity. It is said to help in spiritual awakening and can help to open the mind to new ideas. It also has a calming effect on the body.
Petalite is also known as castorite and belongs to the lithium group of minerals. It can be converted into spodumene and quartz using a few chemical processes.
Petalite is a silicate mineral, which means it has a chemical composition of SiO2.
Discovery And Etymology
Petalite was discovered in 1800 by a Brazilian naturalist, Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva. He found it in Sweden and named it after the Greek “petalon,” meaning leaf or petal after the twin brother of Castor in classical mythology. This name alludes to its perfect cleavage.
Petalite is also known by other names such as:
- Berzelite
- Lithite
- Castorite
- Arfvedsonite
Petalite Stone Appearance
Petalite is a beautiful stone that mainly occurs in its transparent state, meaning it doesn’t have any color. However, some specimens may have a white, grey, or pink coloration.
This gemstone has a vitreous or pearly luster and breaks easily, exposing perfect light-reflecting surfaces. Because of this quality of the Petalite stone, it is highly valued in some circles.
Furthermore, petalite stones also show thermoluminescence. When they are provided with heat energy, they start to give off light and glow. This ability only adds to their value.
Where Can You Find Petalite Stone?
This gemstone is found in pegmatites and ores high in lithium content from where it is mined. It was first discovered in Sweden but has also been found in the following countries:
Petalite Stone Physical Properties
| Mineral Group | Phyllosilicate/Lithium Feldspar |
| Formula | Li Al(Si4O10) |
| Chemical name | Lithium Aluminum Silicate |
| Color | Colorless, Pink, Grey, White |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 6.5 |
| Refractive Index | 1.504 – 1.516 |
| Fracture | Subconchoidal |
| Luster | Vitreous, Pearly |
| Specific Gravity | 2.412 – 2.422 |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
Petalite Stone Value
The Petalite stone is a relatively affordable gemstone. Its price lies in the range of $50 – 700. Gemologists use four main factors to determine the value of a Petalite gemstone. They are as follows:
- Carat: The weight or size of the stone is important. Larger stones are more valuable than smaller ones. As the size of a stone increases, so does its price per carat. This is because it is significantly more challenging to find, mine, and process larger ores and gemstones.
- Cut: The cut of the stone is also a major determining factor in its price. A cut that displays a high degree of symmetry and precision will be more valuable than one that doesn’t. A cut that is too shallow or deep will also reduce the value of a gemstone. The ideal depth for most stones is between 60% and 70% of their original size. Cutters can achieve this by polishing the stone’s facets, so they reflect light at just the right angle.
- Clarity: The most significant factor affecting the value of transparent gemstones like diamonds and petalites is the clarity of the crystal. Stones with inclusions and blemishes are less valuable than those without them. The most sought-after gemstones have no or very few flaws or imperfections.
- Clarity is graded using a grading system based on how many inclusions are present in the stone. The highest grade is flawless (FL). Lesser grades include very, very slightly included (VVS), very slightly included (VS1), and included (I1, I2, I3). The quality of the stone determines its value.
- Color: In the case of petalite stones, color is not a significant factor. Since it is a transparent gem, its value is determined mainly by clarity. Some petalites do have a slight pink or grey hue, which can add to their value. However, it is not a significant factor, and the price is not affected by it. The best-quality petalite stones are transparent, with no or very few inclusions.
How To Tell If Petalite Stone Is Real?
Petalite is a rare gemstone that is not often imitated. However, if you are looking to buy one, it is crucial to know how to spot a fake. You can tell if your petalite stone is genuine by looking for the following signs:
- Color Depth: If you have a colored variety of Petalite, you can check its coloring to see if it’s real. If it has the same color throughout and doesn’t have any variation, it is likely a fake. Natural stones have variable hues that change as you look at them from different angles.
- Scratch Test: While not too hard, Petalite is still slightly harder than glass. So, glass shouldn’t leave marks on it.
- Acetone Test: Dip your Petalite stone in a solution of acetone and water. If you notice it loses color, this is a sign that the stone isn’t real. Real Petalite won’t lose its color when exposed to acetone.
- Transparency: Petalite stones are transparent. So, if it is very cloudy, it isn’t real. You should be able to look through the stone.
- Inclusions: Real Petalite stones will be at least slightly included. If you don’t notice any inclusions in the gem, even with a jeweler’s loupe, then it was most likely created artificially.
If you are still unable to determine if your stone is real, you should take it to a professional jeweler or gemologist for a professional evaluation.
Petalite Stone Chakra Connection
The Petalite stone is connected to the Heart Chakra. This stone is used to help people connect with their hearts and inner selves.
The Heart chakra is associated with love, compassion, empathy, and kindness. It is located in the middle of your chest and can be felt as a slight expansion or warmth when active. You should hold the Petalite stone in your hand or place it on your heart chakra to help you connect with these feelings more easily.
Petalite Stone Meaning And Uses
- The primary constituent of Petalite is Lithium. Because of the high concentration of this mineral, Petalite is often used in industrial processes as a source of lithium. It is also used in the production of glass.
- Petalite crystals are used in ceramic glazes. They were also used as raw materials in glass-ceramic cooking ware.
- Petalite is a stone of courage and strength. It can help people find the inner strength to face their fears, especially those related to health or safety. Petalite also helps people break free from self-destructive behaviors and habits.
- It symbolizes purity and serenity. It can help its wearer to find inner peace and calm. This makes it a good fit for people suffering from social anxiety or anxiety disorders.
- Petalite is an excellent stone that can help people open up to new experiences and relationships. It also allows them to communicate better with others.
- Practitioners of alternative medicine believe that Petalite is a high-vibration stone. They maintain that it can treat muscular spasms, aid in emotional healing, help you reach the angelic realm, and might even help in the treatment of cancer.
- Petalite is said to help with muscular spasms by creating a more balanced energy center in your body. They are also said to remove negative energies from your blood and stabilize your blood pressure.
- Petalite is believed to be a stone of compassion and love. It can help you connect with others on a deeper level, especially those who are suffering or in need.
- This stone’s energy can be used to overcome the negative emotions associated with challenging life experiences. It lifts your mood and helps you to see the light at the end of the tunnel by allowing you to overcome emotional trauma.
- Petalite is a stone that’s said to promote physical healing. Many people believe it can be used to ease pain, increase circulation, and help with digestion.
How To Clean Petalite Stone Jewelry?
Taking care of your Petalite Stone jewelry is essential to help it retain its beauty.
- Soak your jewelry in a bowl of lukewarm water mixed with gentle soap for five to ten minutes.
- When you’re done soaking the jewelry in your cleaning solution, rinse it gently. If stubborn stains remain on a piece of jewelry after it’s been washed, use a soft toothbrush to scrub off those hard-to-remove spots
- After thoroughly drying and polishing the crystal, you may buff it with a microfiber cloth.
- To cleanse your stone and make it ready for use again, you should burn a smudge stick.
- Recharge your gemstone by exposing it to moonlight or burying it in the earth for several hours. The longer you leave it, the better. It’s best if you let it absorb overnight.
FAQ
Which Gemstones Go Best With Petalite Stone?
Petalite is a beautiful transparent stone that can fit with almost any other gemstone. It pairs particularly well with colored stones that are highlighted in its presence.
For example, when it’s paired with Kunzite, it enhances its effect on the third eye and throat chakra. When paired with Heliodor, it enhances its abilities related to the Solar Plexus chakra.
Similarly, it increases the cleansing powers of stones like Clear Quartz and Blue Lace Agate.
What Is Petalite Crystal Good For?
Petalite crystals are used in industrial processes for the extraction of lithium, ceramics, and glass production. It is also known to help with the creation of a healthy mind, body, and spirit. It is used as a stone for meditation and healing.
Petalite crystals can bring balance to the body by releasing any negative energy that’s accumulated inside your chakras.
Is Petalite A Real Gemstone?
Yes, Petalite is a real gemstone. Its transparent variety is used in jewelry making and other ornamental purposes.
The colored stones are also sometimes used in rings and necklaces. Its main application is for the extraction of lithium.
What is Petalite worth?
The Petalite stone is a relatively affordable gemstone. Its price lies in the range of $50 – 700. The price fluctuates depending on the particular properties of the individual stone.
Clarity, color, size, and cut; can all affect the final product’s price. Clear, lightly, large, well-cut, pink stones are worth the most. The most significant part of the price comes from the stone’s clarity and size.
