It was first discovered to be a new species in 1952 when an unusually dark brown specimen came under scientific scrutiny. Since then it has been an unusual gemstone, being a member of the borates . Sinhalite gets its name from sinhala, the Sanskrit word for the island of Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka. Color is greenish brown to brown, sometimes greenish-yellow. Luster is vitreous.
Crystals are transparent to translucent.
Crystal System is orthorhombic. Crystal Habits are quite limited to alluvial grains found in gem gravels. Cleavage is distinct in two directions. Streak is white. Associated Minerals are other gem gravel minerals such as ruby , sapphire , peridot and garnets .