What is Green Amethyst (Prasiolite)?
Green Amethyst (Prasiolite) is a green quartz and a silicon dioxide mineral. This gem originates as Amethyst and measures 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. When Amethyst is treated with heat or radiation, some of them transform its purple color into green.
This is why it is known as “Green Amethyst”, although this is not the proper name. It is a rare stone in nature related to love and emotional healing.
Prasiolite transforms negativity. It brings joy and connects with the higher vibrations of the heart.
If Prasiolite hasn’t already surrounded your soul with loving energy, then continue reading to discover its many interesting facts and benefits.
The Origin: Where Is Green Amethyst (Prasiolite) Found?
Natural Prasiolite can only be found in a few mines of the world.
Almost all Prasiolites come from a mine in Brazil: from Quarai to Uberlandia in Minas Gerais.
It can also be found in Thunder Bay in Canada.
These two occurrences have been formed by strong hydrothermal activities: at Thunder Bay due to tectonics and in Brazil by meteoric and hydrothermal waters of the Guarani aquifer.
Other deposits have been found in Sokolowiec, Kaczawskie, and Lower Silesia (region of Poland).
A deposit near Susanville, California has Amethyst, Citrine, and Prasiolite in its talus.
The Amethyst in this deposit formed in the cavities of a solidified lava flow.
The heat from this lava flow contains the necessary iron minerals to produce natural Prasiolite.
Amongst all these origins, Prasiolites from Brazil are considered highly desirable due to their superior clarity and bright green hue.
Natural Prasiolite is very rare and uncommon to find in nature.
However, they can be made artificially through a process that transforms the purple color of Amethyst into green.
Regardless, the green color is not always the final result of these treatments: not all of them will end up becoming Prasiolites with its characteristic green color tone.
The History & Lore of Green Amethyst (Prasiolite)
Prasiolite was first discovered in the early 1800’s in Silesia, Poland.
Here, Prasiolite occasionally outlines geodes, usually with an initial layer of Agate.
Prasiolite’s name comes from the Greek for “leek-green”, which refers to its color.
As mentioned, Prasiolite is also known by other names such as Vermarine and “Green Amethyst”, although this name is not appropriate.
Amethyst, by definition, refers to the purple shade of this quartz.
The Federal Trade Commission of the United States (FTC) published in July 2018 a new edition of its Guides for Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries.
In which they clearly state that the use of “green amethyst” to denominate this quartz is wrong.
Sellers could even face legal issues if they use this name to refer to Prasiolite.
Prasiolite is often confused with other green stones such as Peridot, Green Tourmaline, Green Aventurine, or Beryl.
Most Prasiolites found on the market come from an artificial process: when Amethyst is heated to about 500°C (932°F) it can transform into Prasiolite.
A small amount of Prasiolite is produced by irradiating natural Amethyst.
However, not all Prasiolites are synthetic or human-made. There is limited availability of this exceptional quartz in its natural form.
Prasiolite can be produced by the natural heating process of Amethyst inside the mines. This is the most valued and uncommon process.
It occurs when an Amethyst-bearing rock unit has been heated by younger lava flows or nearby intrusions.
Some people enjoy the extraordinary transformation of an Amethyst into Prasiolite for its symbolism of change.
The purple color is associated with transformation and transmutation. The green color is related to healing, compassion, and joy.
Other crystals lovers don’t see it this way. They feel the valuable Amethyst loses all its beneficial properties in this process made through intentional human intervention.
Everything depends on personal preferences and points of view.
Even so, Prasiolite is a highly valued and demanded quartz in the gem market.
Description of Green Amethyst (Prasiolite)
Prasiolite is a semi-precious pale green gemstone that belongs to the family of quartz. It has a Mohs hardness of seven.
This hardness implies that the stone is durable and resistant enough to be used in jewelry.
However, it requires specific care to preserve its color.
Prasiolite is a type II clarity stone which means it usually contains inclusions.
Occasionally it has patches of purple inclusions, as it was originally a purple Amethyst.
These stones may contain also tiny solid particles, negative crystals, liquid inclusions, two-phase inclusions, and natural partially-healed fractures.
This delightful quartz is one of the most unique stones that you’ll see.
Its pale green to gold-green color brings energy, positivity, and an aura of love and calm.
These highly transparent gems are often those that have been naturally transformed by Mother Nature.
You will also find it in a more olive green shade. These are usually those that have been heated through laboratory processes.
Prasiolite is a perfect stone for jewelry. It is often cut into faceted stones and beads used by jewelers.
You can find Prasiolite in beautiful necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and more.
Prasiolite is a strong energy amplifier since it is part of the Quartz mineral family.
Placing it in certain parts of the body will enhance its spiritual, emotional, and mental benefits.
In addition, since Prasiolite is rare in nature and hard to find, it is quite popular among crystal lovers and gem collectors.
How to Identify Green Amethyst (Prasiolite)?
Prasiolite is a transparent to translucent quartz.
The color varies from pale golden-green to olive green as previously mentioned.
Synthetic imitations have a more intense green color generated by a hydrothermal process.
This intense and unnatural color is a clear sign that it is a synthetic Prasiolite.
Like any other gemstone, Prasiolite quality varies from one stone to another.
Therefore, each gem is individually valued according to certain quality parameters to determine its real worth.
These parameters are its origin, color, and clarity.
The best quality is based on its transparency, clean-cut, and bright vitreous green color without any visible inclusion.
Types of Green Amethyst (Prasiolite)
Natural untreated Prasiolite
This has a pale and translucent green color.
Heat-Treated Amethyst
This produces two types of Prasiolite: ‘Type 1’ and ‘Type 2’ differing in its green color.
Prasiolite Type 1 has a lighter and pale green color while Prasiolite Type 2 has a darker olive green color.
Radiated Amethyst
This produces Prasiolite with a light green color. This color is often unstable and can fade if the gem is exposed to high temperatures.
The depth in color and its distribution throughout the crystal define Prasiolite’s value and quality.
The most valued Prasiolite are the ones with a brighter hue that are highly transparent with no eye-visible inclusions.
Green Amethyst (Prasiolite) Birthstone Meaning & History
Prasiolite is not a traditional birthstone.
However, Prasiolite has a zodiac crystal associated and it is also considered a natural birthstone. Let’s start with the zodiac sign.
This unique and beautiful quartz is associated with Virgo.
Prasiolite will bring self-esteem, balance, stability, and self-confidence, minimizing the decision-making for the self-doubting Virgo.
This quartz is related to the heart and will improve their relationships with others.
Prasiolite will also help those born under this zodiac sign to focus their actions on the highest good for all.
In addition, Prasiolite is also related to other dates inspired by the seasons of the year.
The olive green Prasiolite corresponds to the people born between April 20 – May 20.
Its color reminds us of spring and rebirth, and the vivid green colors that nature acquires once winter ends.
Prasiolite brings them motivation, prosperity, renewal, success, inner strength, and spiritual growth.
The gold-green Prasiolite is related to the people born between May 21 – June 20.
In this case, the deep colors of spring are fading and lightening as the summer season approaches.
This pale variety of Prasiolite brings change, compassion, independence, awakening, and calm.
Green Amethyst (Prasiolite) Treatment
As discussed earlier, specific treatments are made to Amethyst to transform it into Prasiolite.
These processes are heat-treatment and radiation-treatment.
A small number of Amethyst deposits contain specific materials that will transform from gold-green to pale green color at about 500 degrees Celsius.
According to gemological sources, Amethyst from the Montezuma deposit in Minas Gerais, Brazil, can be heated to produce Prasiolite.
However, it has been found that other mines also contain specific minerals and iron that can be heat-treated to transform Amethyst into Prasiolite.
This is the case of an Amethyst deposit in Arizona.
In addition, some Amethyst stones found in Poland can be irradiated to produce the beautiful Prasiolite.
All this means that not all Amethysts will turn green.
Most Amethyst will turn reddish-brown or orange when heated to about 550 degrees Celsius.
Some will turn yellow at about 470 degrees Celsius producing a heat-treated Citrine.
Only a small percentage of Prasiolites comes from natural heating produced within the mines.
This makes Prasiolite an incomparable and exquisite quartz.
How to Clean and Care for Green Amethyst (Prasiolite)
Prasiolite can be cleansed with cold water. Just place the gem under running water for a few seconds.
You can use a little bit of mild soap or dishwashing liquid if needed.
You can also gently clean the gem with an old nail brush before rinsing and patting it dry with a soft cloth.
To keep the stone vibrating at its highest frequencies, it is recommended to clean your Prasiolite after each use, as it works with emotions, thoughts, and the physical body.
To charge and activate the properties of the Prasiolite, you can place it on a window or outside the home under the light of a full moon.
To preserve its color and prevent it from fading over time, it must be protected from strong sunlight and heat.
Prasiolite is heat sensitive (remember how it is created out of the natural purple Amethyst). So it should not be exposed to high temperatures.
Store this quartz with care. Make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place, away from other jewelry to avoid scratching.
The best way is in a dark jewelry box, bag, or cabinet.
Also, ensure that your jeweler detaches the stone from any metal setting before making adjustments: as the heating process might affect your Prasiolite.
Buyers Guide: Tips & Advice
Before purchasing a Prasiolite, it is recommended to investigate and research the store, the seller, and the origin of the quartz, since there are many imitations.
It’s estimated that over 90% of Prasiolites found on the market are fake.
Keep in mind that most of the stones incorrectly defined as ‘green amethyst’ are actually synthetic quartz transformed by laboratory treatments.
They are usually found in vivid mint-green or blue-green colors rather than the paler golden-green color of Prasiolite.
If the quartz has an unnatural color like an intense green, you can almost be assured it is not authentic and they are selling you a synthetic stone.
Try to find a trusted gem seller to avoid the chances of getting cheated.
Green Amethyst (Prasiolite) Quality Factors
Color
Pale green to olive green.
Natural untreated Prasiolite has a very pale and translucent green color.
A heat-treated or artificially ionized Prasiolite has a darker green color.
As previously mentioned, the color produced by heat treatment and irradiation can fade with long exposure to sunlight and high temperatures.
Clarity
Transparent to nearly opaque.
Cut
Prasiolite can be found in most of the commonly recognized shapes and cuts: round brilliant, oval brilliant, octagon, pear brilliant, oblong, and more.
Carat
The cost of this gorgeous quartz depends on its color, size, and origin.
The price can also vary depending on the seller or the store where you buy the stone.
Prasiolite prices range between 5$ US to 50$ US per carat.
Green Amethyst (Prasiolite) Healing Properties
Physical Healing Properties
Many fascinating powers are attributed to Prasiolite stones.
This quartz is known to be beneficial for detoxification processes, helping to cleanse the body of all waste substances and toxins.
It is also known to help the proper functioning of the stomach, intestines, and entire digestive system.
As Prasiolite is related to the heart, it is known to be beneficial in treating disorders in this area: lungs, heart, and thymus.
By balancing the heart it will also help to heal tension, stress, and intense anxiety.
Some crystal and holistic healers also find it beneficial for treating tumors and ulcers.
Prasiolite can also help the optimal balance of the endocrine system and adrenal glands.
Prasiolite should help to bring balance to the body. This means enjoying a healthier and stronger life.
Mental & Emotional Healing Properties
Prasiolite’s green color strongly connects it to the Heart Chakra, which is located in the center of the chest.
The Heart Chakra is related to our emotions, relationships, love, and compassion.
This stone will help open and balance this energy center.
It is an excellent supporting quartz for healing the emotional body and overcoming trauma.
It will open the heart to tune it with higher frequencies of love.
Prasiolite is also related to the Root Chakra, which is located at the base of the spine.
The Root Chakra refers to our security in life and the spiritual connection to the Earth and the material world.
This powerful stone helps replace sadness, fears about life, anger, lack of love, resentment, emotional suffering for self-love, self-sufficiency, confidence, and strength.
Crystal lovers, healers, and enthusiasts who believe in the healing energies of gemstones affirm that Prasiolite encourages self-acceptance and fosters compassion.
Prasiolite also calms impulsive emotions.
This stone connects with your higher self, allowing you to find harmonious ways to express and handle those emotions.
It will help you strengthen your mind and emotional body, giving you the confidence to share what you feel or think in the most effective way.
This gemstone provides a balance between emotions and their reasons.
This is really helpful in moments of doubts or indecisiveness between what our heart feels and what our mind is telling us.
Prasiolite is a worthy and supportive quartz that helps clarify our ideas, bringing us peace of mind and calm.
The energies of this stone will allow us to see the difficult and painful experiences from a new perspective: it shows the learning and the lessons of a bad moment lived.
In this sense, it is very positive to help release and let go, providing mental and psychological clarity.
It is believed that wearing a Prasiolite helps to overcome life’s difficult challenges.
People suffering from anxiety, stress, or depression can feel relief from these overwhelming and exhausting emotional states.
Prasiolite is excellent as a personal healing amulet to comfort the heart and raise the energy when we lose hope.
Metaphysical Properties
As stated earlier, the green color of this gem relates it to the energy center located in the chest: the Heart Chakra. Prasiolite’s color is also related to nature and earth.
The result will be the balance of the earthly energies and the highest vibrations of the heart, creating a profound connection to your higher self.
Prasiolite is also known for transforming negative energy into positive.
Even its color transformation from the purple Amethyst to the green of the Prasiolite gives it a beautiful analogy of the transmutation processes that we can experience within ourselves.
Prasiolite is also recommended for healers during reiki sessions or therapies.
It is used to connect with high-frequency healing energies and conduct them through the healer’s heart down to the ground.
It will be also positive for their patients, helping them to overcome emotional traumas.
In addition, the vibrations and color of this quartz are connected to abundance, good luck, fortune, and prosperity.
Prasiolite’s energy may assist you to achieve your personal goals and objectives.
Spiritual Healing Properties
This stone is considered highly effective for healing as it brings benefits on a physical, emotional, and mental level. Prasiolite is also worn for spiritual serenity.
As one of the special gifts of Prasiolite is the transformation of negative energies, it will help you live your life with more joy and positivity.
These healthy emotions will help you feel better about yourself thereby improving your self-esteem.
Prasiolite is a magnificent supportive stone that encourages personal and spiritual growth.
It aids in the manifestation of spiritual ideals into everyday life, experienced through divine connection.
This divine green quartz is also related to tranquility and inner strength at the same time.
This is really positive to calm stressed and hyperactive minds.
Prasiolite’s soothing energy is perfect for those who want to use it for meditative practices, bringing peace of mind and focus.
Prasiolite will also tune you with the frequency of Universal Love.
This can be a perfect quartz to improve issues related to deserving and prosperity since it is linked to self-love, abundance, and good fortune.
How to Use Green Amethyst (Prasiolite)
As Jewelry
Prasiolite is one of those stones that anyone can wear to gain emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
This wonderful quartz will be beneficial in any part of the body, but when a gemstone is placed directly on a Chakra it will amplify its healing results.
Any type of jewelry that allows you to wear Prasiolite close to the heart, would be ideal to enhance its effects and benefits.
In this case, wearing it on the chest near the Heart Chakra will improve its gifts. A Prasiolite necklace or pendant is a fantastic option.
This way, Prasiolite will act as a bridge between all the Chakras creating a strong connection with the heart.
It will encourage you to live the present moment from a heart-based perspective.
Bracelets are also a good option because the arms are connected with the Heart Chakra, keeping the energy of this quartz within the area.
In-Home and Office
A good place for Prasiolite in your home would be those rooms where you want your guidance.
Your vision and thoughts will be centered on the heart.
When a Prasiolite is present, the heart will always be the center of the experience.
Your actions and words will be inspired by this lovely energy.
The living room can be a magnificent place: as it will bring harmony to your relationships. Bedrooms are also excellent places.
Prasiolite will surround you with joy and happiness.
This positive energy will tune you with higher magnetic energies of love.
Allowing you to experience the best of your relationships and making strong connections with people.
Alternatively, if you have a special corner or room to meditate, Prasiolite can be beneficial during the meditation practice.
You can hold it in your hand to amplify its effect on the heart. The meditation will be inspired by loving vibrations.
Another interesting use for Prasiolite is within a crystal grid.
It can help to fulfill your intentions, enhance your spiritual awareness or set the energy of a space.
Prasiolite can be used to improve the benefits of any other quartz or gem present in the crystal grid.
In the office, it will be useful in those areas where mental clarity, confidence, productivity, and security are needed.
It can be placed on a desk in the working areas.
The common areas where employees meet are also recommended for Prasiolite.
It will provide communication that comes from the heart, compassion, and understanding.
The result will be a positive work environment.
Final Thoughts & Conclusion
Green Amethyst (Prasiolite) is an extraordinary crystal, both for being rare in nature and for all the benefits it brings.
We have seen that it strongly connects with the Heart and the Earth.
Green Amethyst (Prasiolite) is a quartz that will bring you a radiant and loving vibration, balancing your emotional body, helping you overcome difficult experiences, opening your heart, and creating a divine connection with the Earth.
Green Amethyst (Prasiolite) is a wonderful crystal to include in any gem collection, just make sure it is a real quartz and not an imitation.
Price is always a good indicator to identify a real or fake Prasiolite. Some of these synthetic gemstones are sold at prices that are too low to be genuine.
Its use both in jewelry, home, or office, will bring many positive effects: calm, harmony, well-being, balance, joy, and emotional healing.
It also helps to relieve stress and anxiety, bringing a clearer happy mind and life.
