Quartz is not an expensive stone. But the beauty of the faceted prasiolite provoked a revival around it. Therefore, some sellers tried to pass it off as other stones, more valuable, with a similar greenish tint, for example, emeralds, tourmalines, beryls and chrysolites. Others, in order to raise the price of prasiolite, came up with various names for it - tourmaline, "emerald quartz", "Indian emerald", etc.
History of prasiolite stone
The name of the mineral appeared as a result of a combination of two words of Greek origin. They are translated as “onion stone.” The shape of the stone resembles a hexagonal prismatic figure. Prasiolite was first discovered by the inhabitants of Ancient Greece. This happened 2.5 thousand years ago. The gemstone resembles a leek with its soft green tone. In nature, there are examples of a deeper green color. They differ in brightness. The intensity of the shade depends on the lighting. If the sun is bright, the stone becomes paler.
The Greeks explained this phenomenon by the actions of the gods. They believed that higher powers painted gems and filled them with unprecedented power. In strong sunlight, the mineral practically loses its hue. Prasiolite is sometimes compared to a stone such as rock crystal. This is due to the brilliance and extraordinary radiance of both gems.
In various sources dating back to the 9th century BC, the mineral was called "prasitis". Later it received its official name.
Physical properties
By examining only the appearance of prasiolite, it can easily be confused with minerals such as beryl, peridot or tourmaline. Its color is often compared to the color of leek stems. Physical properties of the mineral:
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| Properties | Description |
| Formula | SiO2 |
| Hardness | 7 |
| Density | 2.65 g/cm³ |
| Refractive index | 1,544 — 1, 553 |
| Cleavage | Absent. |
| singonia | Trigonal. |
| Transparency | Transparent or semi-transparent. |
| Kink | Conchoidal, very fragile. |
| Color | Dark green, green with a yellow tint, onion green. |
Description of Prasiolite stone
Prasiolite is a type of quartz. It is notable for its transparency, but its internal content is characterized by complex color transitions and unimaginable play.
When synthesizing the stone artificially, the technology of calcining amethyst is used. This process requires a temperature of 5,000 degrees. Sometimes varieties of quartz are used for these purposes.
This is a fairly hard gem. The hardness of prasiolite is rated at 7 on the Mohs scale. The mineral is endowed with a conchoidal fracture of its faces. He is very fragile. It has no adhesions.
Types, colors of prasiolite
Of all types of prasiolite, stones of artificial origin predominate.
Another difference is in the color of the stone. There are minerals with emerald green and yellow tints.
The following spectrum can be listed:
- emerald;
- light green;
- citric;
- colorless with a slight green tint;
List of colors:
Prasiolite stone deposits
Now the prasiolite deposits are completely developed. It no longer exists in nature. According to archaeologists, there were only 6 deposits of stone. True, not all experts adhere to this point of view. Some scientists suggest that this gem never existed, and all its samples are fakes - a skillful work of jewelry masters.
Indian stones are specimens of rich color. They are endowed with iridescence. Brazilian minerals have calm green shades.
Many experts are trying to find the formula for the production of prasiolite, which was known many centuries ago. True, there are no sources containing these schemes. They were lost.
Care
Proper care of prasiolite involves storage in suitable conditions and gentle cleaning:
- If you leave it in the light, it will almost completely lose its green tint.
- The stone should be protected from scratches by placing it separately from other objects or in a small bag.
- Cleaning is carried out with soft water and a mild soap solution. The materials you can use are flannel. The procedure is carried out from time to time.
The healing properties of prasiolite stone
The mineral has various beneficial qualities. Prasiolite restores the activity of all organs of the human body. He can improve his health. The stone copes with diseases of the cardiovascular system. It treats nervous disorders and fills its owner with energy.
When treating patients, healers use water infused with prasiolite. This water has a beneficial effect on the psychological and mental state. It promotes the development of self-control and restraint in a person. Healthy water also has a calming effect. It gives the patient peace of mind and promotes regularity. He is no longer subject to outbursts of malice and anger.
This water is also used in cosmetology. Experts advise washing your face with it every day. As a result, the skin pleases with cleanliness, freshness and elasticity. It has a velvety hue. And the youth of the skin is preserved for as long as possible.
Prasiolite relieves cold symptoms. It heals respiratory diseases. It also activates the immune system and the imagination. The mineral gives its owner analytical thinking and clarity of mind.
How to identify a fake
For green amethyst, the problem of origin is irrelevant. Natural stone is not supplied to stores. Heat-treated amethysts or quartz are sold under the brand “prasiolite” or “green amethyst”.
Grown prasiolite, circle, 12 mm
Fraudsters are offering glass under the guise of prasiolite.
The origin is easy to identify:
- The glass is painted evenly.
- Heats up quickly in your hands.
- Contains internal bubble balls.
You can distinguish other minerals (for example, quartz) from green amethyst using special equipment.
The magical properties of prasiolite stone
There is a theory according to which each variety of quartz created an astral shell destined for the planet. That is why there was an opinion that all minerals combine signals sent to man by the Universe.
Prasiolite is considered a magical gem because it has various effective qualities. It is said to be associated with illusion. For this reason, it was actively used by sorcerers and magicians during rituals and ceremonies. However, if an ordinary person wants to test the mineral, he may become confused. Instead of reality, it will demonstrate the fantasies and thoughts of its owner. Only strong fortune tellers manage to cope with the power of the gem.
Who is Prasiolite stone suitable for its magical properties? It is very useful for those who need constant protection. You should always have it with you. The mineral protects its owner and has a beneficial effect on him. Prasiolite purifies a person’s thoughts and promotes his development. The owner of the gem clearly expresses his own conclusions. His imagination works actively, and his memory improves noticeably.
Magicians recommend making inserts into silver crosses from the mineral. Then the magical properties of the prasiolite stone increase greatly. Its power increases significantly. This decoration becomes an excellent talisman. It establishes contact between a person and a guardian angel. The owner of the mineral is always under reliable protection, and his advantages are strengthened.
Treatment options
The green color of prasiolite positions it as the embodiment of the forces of nature.
Lithotherapists have found out exactly how the healing stone helps:
- Prasiolite strengthens the immune system.
- Removes toxins, neutralizes infection.
- Reduces temperature.
- Reduces migraines (earrings or mineral applied to the temples).
- Enhances hearing and vision (stud earrings, head clips).
- Prasiolite is placed under the pillow to help you sleep better.
Green amethyst is beneficial for the respiratory system, heart, and gastrointestinal tract.
Massage the face with prasiolite and wash with water infused with it. The skin will be radiant.
A stone in contact with the skin (bracelet, pendant, studs) works best.
Prasiolite is not used for mental disorders, after encephalitis, meningitis.
Properties of Prasiolite stone for zodiac signs
Astrologers classify the mineral as a universal gem. Prasiolite symbolizes spirituality and integrity, which every person needs. The properties of prasiolite stone fill representatives of all zodiac signs with self-control, sincerity and purity. Undoubtedly, it affects some more strongly.
Prasiolite highlights Aries, Sagittarius, Aquarius and Pisces. However, he will not harm anyone. You can give it as a gift to your partner. The main thing is that the owner of the gem treats it with care. Then you can count on the reciprocity of the stone.
Prasiolite improves mood, fills with vigor, relieves anxiety, phobias and fears.
Talismans and amulets
Prasiolite will have a beneficial effect on everyone for whom it is a talisman. It will relieve fears and give you vigor.
A silver cross with prasiolite is considered an effective amulet. White metal increases protection. In any case, green quartz is a powerful amulet. It is known that in Ancient Greece it was worn by orators. This color has always been used by magicians to attract wealth.
This is exactly how prasiolite works. But he cannot stand owners who are lying and making a fortune through dishonest means. The green crystal helps to discover your talents and acquire new qualities.
Areas of application of prasiolite stone
Since prasiolite exists in limited quantities, it is used to make unique and exceptional jewelry. They are in great demand and popularity. This led to the discovery of lines for artificially synthesizing stone. Its production has become in-line. Natural mineral is very expensive.
Prasiolite is used to create earrings, pendants, rings and bracelets. An artificial gem can be purchased in almost every jewelry store. He is also attractive.
Jewelry with prasiolite
Jewelry with natural prasiolites is a rare phenomenon, one might say, of an isolated nature.
Such jewelry is made only by large jewelry companies. And artificial stone jewelry - rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants - can be seen in many jewelry stores. Their cost is much lower than the cost of products with natural stone. The best setting for prasiolite will be gold and silver, and for a more saturated green color gold will be better, and for paler greenish shades - silver. But you can combine prasiolite with many other gems in decoration. A magnificent collaboration is achieved with cubic zirconia and diamonds. It is combined with topazes, tourmalines and all types of quartz.
Products with prasiolite in rich green shades look good on women with reddish hair, as well as on brown-haired women with green eyes. Pale green stones set in silver are suitable for younger girls. Platinum can also be used as a frame. If the product contains natural stone, then this is already a luxury that is valued at a high price. Such jewelry is usually worn with evening wear for social occasions.
Faceted prasiolite has a significant price, which is comparable to expensive gems. The cost of a natural stone with a cut can be from $20 to $100 or more per carat, and an artificial one - 5 to 10 times less. If it is not just a separate crystal, but a product, add the cost of the precious frame.
When purchasing jewelry with prasiolite in stores that value their reputation, a certificate is attached to the stone, which contains all the information about the stone, including what mineral was used to create the artificial prasiolite. And the seller of such a store is obliged to bring all this information to the attention of the buyer.
How to distinguish a natural prasiolite stone from a fake one?
Determining the naturalness of prasiolite is incredibly difficult. It is better to seek professional help. Jewelry craftsmen work exclusively with natural prasiolite. Each decoration is one-of-a-kind. After all, there are few natural stones.
To identify a fake, you should study the proposed product in detail. Similar items cannot be presented. Each of them has exceptional appearance, carving and finishing. It is worth noting that artificial prasiolites are not much inferior to natural ones. They have wonderful characteristics. Experts try to produce samples whose composition formula is close to the original.
How to care
Heat treatment strengthens, but does not “cement” the structure and color of prasiolite.
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Therefore, you need to take care of it:
- The stone is fragile, it is protected from falls and impacts.
- The scorching sun will discolor or “fading” the prasiolite. Color is returned only by x-ray exposure.
- Remove dirt using a soft brush and warm soapy water. Wipe immediately with a soft cloth so that no stains remain.
A separate, dense, opaque box is suitable for storing prasiolites.
