Information about Prasiolite

Prasiolite is a translucent to transparent variety of quartz with a distinctive green hue, ranging from pale mint to deep greenish-gold.

It is often cut for jewellery, though it can also be found as rough crystals, usually with the hexagonal prism form typical of quartz.

Natural prasiolite is exceedingly rare; most commercial specimens are heat-treated amethyst or citrine. When cut and polished, its appearance resembles green beryl or peridot.

Uses and History

Prasiolite is primarily used in the jewellery industry, especially in rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets.

The name “Prasiolite” comes from the Greek words prason (leek) and lithos (stone), referencing its leek-green colour.

Natural prasiolite was only discovered in the 20th century in small quantities.

Today, most prasiolite on the market originates from heat-treated amethyst.

Locales

Natural Prasiolite really is only found in a few places around the world, so I was able to add a locales section for once!

• Płóczki Górne agate field, Płóczki Górne, Gmina Lwówek Śląski, Lwówek Śląski County, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, Poland
• Thunder Bay District, Ontario, Canada

It seems most of the treated Amethyst comes from Brazil.

Mineralogy

Hazards and Warnings

Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis. When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

Translations

Further Reading / External Links

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prasiolite
• https://www.mindat.org/min-40112.html