mineral
Prasiolite (Green Quartz) / Sea Glass Amalgam
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale leek-green to olive-green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (Hexagonal prism); Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pale leek-green to olive-green
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale leek-green to olive-green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (Hexagonal prism); Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Naturally formed through the geothermal heating of amethyst or yellow quartz, often found in volcanic or metamorphic rocks. However, similar-looking specimens can be produced by industrial irradiation or as high-quality smoothed sea glass from vintage industrial glass waste.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry as a gemstone, crystal healing practices, and as a decorative lapidary material.
Geological facts
Most prasiolite found in jewelry is created by heat-treating natural amethyst from certain mines in Brazil. Natural occurrences are extremely rare, with original sources located in Poland and Canada.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its pale green transparency and lack of inclusions compared to glass. In the field, look for hexagonal crystal habits or conchoidal (shell-like) fracture patterns on broken edges.
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