mineral
Green Quartz (Prasiolite)
Crystalline Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale green to olive green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pale green to olive green
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
Identified More mineral →
Explore Green Quartz (Prasiolite) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale green to olive green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Natural green quartz forms in various geological environments including igneous rocks and hydrothermal veins. It can occur when amethyst or citrine is subjected to natural geothermal heat or radiation.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry as a gemstone, decorative carvings, and as a collector's specimen. It is also believed by some to have metaphysical healing properties.
Geological facts
Natural green quartz is actually quite rare in nature; most commercial 'Prasiolite' on the market is actually heat-treated amethyst from Brazil or Poland.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass), its crystal habit, and its characteristic pale green transparency. Common locations include Brazil, USA (Arizona), and Namibia.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous