Petschite

Petschite is a trade name for a violet to purple variety of Scapolite (Marialite-Meionite Series) from Tanzania. It was discovered in 1975, most likely from Mpapwa District (Mpwampwa), Dodoma Region, Tanzania. Origin of the name Petschite is uncertain. It may possibly be named after Eckehard Julius Petsch (1939- ), of Idar-Oberstein, Germany; a well known gem dealer and noteworthy prospector in Madagascar and Africa. He is also the president of the gem cutting firm Julius Petsch Jr. in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. The mineral Petschekite is also named after Eckehard Petsch. Petschekite is an IMA recognized mineral species that was discovered in Mahajanga Province, Madagascar in 1972.