Prasiolite
green · Quartz family
| Also known as | Quartz (Quartz family) |
|---|---|
| Colour | Green |
| Mohs hardness | 7 – lower in impure varieties |
| Lustre | Vitreous – waxy to dull when massive |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Transparency | Transparent |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | SiO 2 |
| Specific gravity | 2.65 |
What is Prasiolite?
Prasiolite (also known as green amethyst or vermarine) is a green, transparent variety of quartz that derives its color from the presence of Fe2+ ions within the crystal structure. Prasiolite is not the only green variety of quartz, and it should not be confused with prase, chrysoprase, chrome chalcedony, or quartz colored by inclusions of chlorite or epidote.
How to identify Prasiolite
- Lustre: Vitreous – waxy to dull when massive.
- Hardness: Mohs 7 – lower in impure varieties — hard enough to scratch glass.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Trigonal crystal system.
Prasiolite in different forms
Stones often confused with Prasiolite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Prasiolite?
Prasiolite is Mohs 7 – lower in impure varieties on the hardness scale.
What colour is Prasiolite?
Prasiolite is typically green (Shades of green).