Geology / History
Petalite, also known as Castorite, is a Lithium, Aluminium phyllosilicate mineral. Occuring in Lithium-bearing pegmatites with Spodumene, Lepidolite & Tourmaline. This is a fairly rare mineral which occurs in a variety of colours including white, grey, colourless, pink & yellow. Petalite is an important ore of Lithium discovered by Brazilian naturalist Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva in 1800. The name Petalite is derived from the Greek word petalon, meaning leaf.
Economic deposits of Petalite are found near Kalgoorlie - Western Australia, Aracuai, Minas Gerais - Brazil, Karibib - Namibia, Manitoba – Canada & Bikita Zimbabwe. The first important economic application for Petalite was as a raw material for glass-ceramic cooking ware. It has also been used as a raw material for ceramic glazes.

Metaphysical Properties
The stone of vision, known as the Angel Stone. Petalite emits profound peace & joy. Increases Divine connection & promotes Kundalini, it also enhances meditation & opens past life channels, allowing one to learn & master manifestation abilities.
An excellent protection stone which releases negative karma & clear entities attached to the aura. Petalite has a very high vibration, which no darkness can be near. This stone seals & heals auric damage. A healer’s best friend bringing forth radiant loving light & amplifying the healer’s abilities.

Crystal Healing
Stress-related illness, excessive worry, ADD, over activity, anxiety, insomnia. Harmonizes the endocrines systems.

Mineralogy
Group: Phyllosilicate 
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Composition: LiAlSi4O10
Form/Habit: Tabular prismatic crystals & columnar masses
Hardness: 6-6.5
Cleavage: Perfect on {001}, poor on {201} with 38.5° angle between the two
Fracture: Subconchoidal
Lustre: Vitreous, pearly on cleavages
Streak: Colourless
Specific Gravity: 2.4
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
R.I: nα=1.504, nβ=1.510, nγ=1.516
Colour: Colourless, grey, yellow, pink, to white
Birefringence: δ = 0.012
Strunz Classification: 09.EF.05