petalite

[ pet-l-ahyt ]

noun

1. a mineral, lithium aluminum silicate, Li(AlSi 4 O 1 0 ), occurring in colorless or white foliated masses: an important source of lithium.

Word History and Origins

Origin of petalite¹

From the German word Petalit, dating back to 1800–10. See petal, -ite ¹

Example Sentences

It was first identified as a solid in the form of petalite ore on the Swedish island Utö in 1817.

From New York Times

Arfvedson, a pupil of Berzelius, detected a new element, which he named lithium, in various minerals—notably petalite.

From Project Gutenberg

Petalite Imparts a slight crimson color to the flame, like Lepidolite.

From Project Gutenberg