What is Green Amethyst (Prosiolite)?
Often called Green Amethyst, Prasiolite is also known as Green Quartz or vermarine. It is a type of silicone dioxide.
Green Amethyst is really Green Quartz
Part of the quartz family, strictly speaking, green amethyst – Prasiolite – is not its correct name and is actually green quartz.
It has the same properties, and is the same semi-precious gemstone, as purple amethyst – known simply as ‘amethyst’ as it is naturally a purple colour – only it has been heat-treated to produce a wonderful green colour.
The name “amethyst” refers to the naturally occurring purple-coloured quartz. So, when we talk about amethyst, we are really referring to the purple semi-precious stone, purple quartz. You can read all about purple amethyst in our article here.
Therefore, the green amethyst is really green quartz.
Despite that, most people still call it green amethyst and it’s the recognised name for this semi-precious gemstone. Most jewellers go along with calling it green amethyst as it’s the name that their customers most recognise for this stone.
How Green Amethyst Is Formed?
Prasiolite is created by applying heat to amethyst, whereby its colour changes from purple – first to yellow, then orange or brown (forming citrine) and finally to a subtle green colour.
This colour-change only occurs if the sample of the amethyst contains traces of iron.
The temperature needed for the gemstone to change to the desired coloured green is between 475-750 degrees celsius.
Where Does It Come From?
Amethyst, that naturally contains the desired level of iron to produce the colour-change appears mainly in Brazil. Therefore, Prasiolite is said to be created by heat-treating Brazilian amethyst.
Heat-Treating Amethyst
Sometimes the level of heat required for the stone to change colour occurs naturally within the rock activity. But mostly green quartz/amethyst is artificially created by heat-treating amethyst stones.
Heating gemstones to improve their colour or texture is a common occurrence and doesn’t compromise the gemstone at all. The gemstone is still classed as being a natural gemstone after heating and its chemical composition is the same.
The Origins of Its Name
The name ‘Prasiolite’ comes from the Greek words “prason” meaning “leek” (the colour of green amethyst is a very similar color to the vegetable!), and “lithos” meaning stone. This, therefore, translates to mean “leek-coloured green stone”!
The Greek’s named the amethyst stones “amethytos” which meant freedom from drunkenness! The Greeks used to line their cups with amethyst gemstones as they believed it prevented drunkeness and hangovers!
We are not convinced on this one, though, so don’t try this at home!
Green Amethyst Colour
The colour of green amethyst, or prasiolite, is the most delicate green colour. It is transparent and a very subtle coloured green.
If you love the gentle colour of green amethyst, consider also other delicately shaded gemstones like morganite, iolite, and lighter shades of citrine.
Hardness Score
It is a relatively hard gemstone, scoring 7 on the MoH’s Hardness scale. This makes it perfect to use in jewellery making and for every-day wear.
Qualities and Meanings Associated with Green Quartz
The meanings associated with green amethyst are that it gives a strong connection with nature, a sense of well-being, self-respect, and healing. They say it is a lucky stone.
Prasiolite is believed to be the bridge between the solar plexus and the heart, throat, and third eye chakra’s.
Green Amethyst Jewellery
Despite its delicate colour, green amethyst jewellery is striking and eye-catching, probably because it’s a gemstone you don’t see often. Green amethyst jewellery normally catches people’s eye.
Jewellery designers set this gemstone equally in silver or yellow and white gold.
Prasiolite also looks magnificent set alongside diamonds or other colours from the quartz family, like citrine.
Look at some of the wonderful pieces of jewellery we have found that is set with green amethyst, we are sure you’ll agree they are the most lovely gemstones.
