mineral
Green Quartz / Prasiolite
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale green to milky greenish-white with faint banding. Luster: Vitreous to waxy when polished. Crystal structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pale green to milky greenish-white with faint banding
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy when polished
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale green to milky greenish-white with faint banding. Luster: Vitreous to waxy when polished. Crystal structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in metamorphic or igneous rock environments, often as a result of natural or thermal heat treatment of amethyst or yellow quartz. Can also occur naturally via hydrothermal action.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as tumbled gemstones, decorative stones, beads, and carved crystal art.
Geological facts
Naturally occurring green quartz (prasiolite) is quite rare; most commercial green quartz specimens are produced by heat-treating natural amethyst or pale quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its hardness of 7, smooth glassy polish, lack of cleavage, and soft pale-green coloration. Commonly found in gemstone tumbling mixes from Brazil, Madagascar, and South Africa.
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