Sinhalite is a gift of the 20th century. Before 1952, when it was first identified, the stone was considered to be a variety of 
peridot, as it was found in Sri Lanka where peridot was found, and it was a brown gemstone, similar in appearance to peridot. The cause of this new identification of the stone in 1952, was the arrival of a huge batch of brown stones at a London Gemstone Testing Laboratory, and the accompanying challenge of a precise mineralogical identification. Finally, a chemical and crystallographic analysis revealed the truth, and thus, sinhalite was born.
The name sinhalite derives from the Sanskrit word for Lion Island, as Sri Lanka was called in the past. The largest example of faceted sinhalite so far weighs a stunning 252 carats. Sinhalite is a rare gem, popular with collectors of rare and unusual gems. In fact, only specialized dealers will stock it. Sinhalite has been known to be confused with peridot, chrysoberyl and zircon. Buyers should beware that dealers sometimes try to pass off brown zircon as sinhalite. The most distinguishing feature between the two stones is the difference in birefringence (or double refraction). Zircon has a much higher birefringence than sinhalite. Sinhalite varies in brown colors, from pale yellowish brown to a darker, greenish brown. Pleochrism is the stone's best attribute, displaying greenish brown and light brown, to dark brown when viewed from different angles. Sinhalite is a vitreous and transparent to translucent stone. It rates a 6.5 on the hardness scale. It is suitable for jewelry, however it is somewhat fragile, so using it in rings is rare and somewhat risky. Sinhalite is known to cut beautifully, like peridot, and it is usually given stepped or mixed cuts.
Sinhalite is mostly found in the gem gravel beds of Ratnapura, in the Sabaragamuwa province of Sri Lanka. It is found in association with other gem gravel minerals including peridot, 
garnet, 
ruby, and 
sapphire. Large specimens are rare, but do exist. Crystals however, are very rare, although some can be found in Burma in Myanmar. Other sources for sinhalite include the Eastern Siberia region of Russia, the Warwickite occurrence in Ontario, Canada, and the Mogok mines in Mandalay, Burma. There are also unconfirmed reports of non-gem quality sinhalite occurrences in the United States, in the Edison-Bodnar quarry in New Jersey.
Sinhalite is a stone that represents joy in everyday life, urging the wearer to try new things. It is an ideal stone for people who are trying to open up to others. For example, it is ideal for couples are trying to get to know each other better, or in business, for groups that are working together on a project. It has also said to be a beneficial stone for people who have large spiritual tasks to fulfill. Sinhalite pushes the wearer to take these tasks seriously. It is a stone for success in the future.
