mineral

Green Quartz (Prasiolite)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace impurities

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Light to leek-green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal prisms); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Light to leek-green
Luster: Vitreous

Identified April 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Light to leek-green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal prisms); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or as a secondary mineral in volcanic rock cavities. Natural green quartz is rare and usually occurs through heat treatment of amethyst or citrine in the presence of iron ions.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (faceting and cabochons) and as a collector's gemstone or healing crystal.

Geological facts

Most green quartz on the market is actually heat-treated amethyst from Brazil or Poland. Natural prasiolite is extremely rare in nature.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its light green transparency and lack of inclusions compared to glass. It can be found in localized areas of Brazil, Arizona, and Poland.

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