Sinhalite was thought to be a brown variety of peridot until 1952. However, on closer investigation, it was found to be a completely new mineral. Sinhalite varies from a pale yellowish brown to a dark greenish brown. Crystals have distinct plechroism, showing pale brown, greenish brown, and dark brown when seen from different angles.
Sinhalite is a rare stone but not commonly used in jewelry. Hence, it is faceted for collectors only. Cut gems may be confused with peridot, chrysoberyl, and zircon. Sinhalite is named after Sinhala, which is the Sanskrit name for Sri Lanka. It is common to find a Sinhalite crystal as double-ended, waterworn prism.
Occurrence
Most gem-quality sinhalite occurs as rolled pebbles in the gem gravels of Sri Lanka. Crystals are found in Myanmar (Burma) but are rare. Sinhalite is also found in the former USSR. On the other hand, the non-gem-quality material is found in the USA.
Sinhalite Properties
- Specific Gravity: 3.48
- Refractive Index: 1.67-1.71
- Birefringence (DR): 0.038
- Luster: Vitreous
- Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic
- Composition: Magnesium aluminum iron borate
- Hardness: 6½
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