mineral
Prasiolite
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale green to leek-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Pale green to leek-green
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale green to leek-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the natural or artificial heating of amethyst or citrine in volcanic rocks and pegmatites. Natural prasiolite is extremely rare and typically results from secondary heat-induced metamorphism within a quartz vein.
Uses & applications
Primary use is in the jewelry industry for faceted gemstones, rings, and pendants. It is also used by mineral collectors as a display specimen.
Geological facts
Most prasiolite on the market is actually heat-treated amethyst. Natural occurrences are incredibly rare, first discovered in a small mine in Brazil in the 1950s.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its distinct pale green transparency and quartz-like hardness (scratches glass). Commonly found in Brazil, Namibia, and Poland. Natural specimens are identified by their specific inclusions and pale, uneven coloration.
