mineral

Green Quartz (Prasiolite)

Crystalline Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellowish-green; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Pale yellowish-green
Luster: Vitreous (glass-like)

Identified June 22, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale yellowish-green; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily in hydrothermally active igneous or metamorphic environments where silica-rich fluids crystallize. Its green color often results from heat treatment of amethyst or citrine containing specific iron inclusions, though it naturally occurs rarely in granite pegmatites.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in jewelry as a semi-precious gemstone, in gemstone therapy/holistic practices, and for mineral collecting. Industrial-grade quartz is used in electronics for its piezoelectric properties.

Geological facts

While naturally occurring green quartz is very rare, most prasiolite on the market is produced by heating amethyst from the Montezuma mine in Brazil to 500 degrees Celsius. It is also often called 'Green Amethyst', which is a misnomer.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and translucent pale green hue. Commonly found in Brazil, Namibia, Canada, and parts of the USA. Collectors look for clarity and internal fractures.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral