Iridescent Stones
Menu
HomeGemstonesColoursHardnessSearchIdentify

Gemstone profile and identification guide

Prasiolite

Prasiolite is a green quartz trade variety, most commonly produced via treatment.

7 Mohs Light Green, Yellow Green Silicate (Quartz Variety, Commonly Treated Green Quartz)
Prasiolite

Overview

Prasiolite is a green quartz trade variety, most commonly produced via treatment.

Did you know? Naturally green quartz is uncommon compared with treated prasiolite in mainstream jewelry channels.

Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.

Identification

Name: Prasiolite

Scientific classification: Silicate (Quartz Variety, Commonly Treated Green Quartz)

Hardness: 7 Mohs

Transparency: transparent

Lustre: vitreous

Crystal system: Trigonal

Primary colour: Light Green

Secondary colour: Yellow Green

Colour family: Greens

Quartz constants plus market context support prasiolite identification and treatment expectation.

Verification Status

Status: verified-core-fields

Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society

Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.

Trade-name entries include conservative composition and treatment disclosures where needed.

Physical Properties

Hardness category: hard

Hardness value: 7 Mohs

Chemical composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

Crystal system: Trigonal

Common locations: Base quartz often from Brazil and other quartz sources; color commonly treatment-derived

Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.

Colour Variations

Light green quartz commonly marketed as prasiolite.

Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.

Detailed Gemology

Mineral species: Quartz (prasiolite trade variety)

Mineral group: Quartz group

Chemical formula: Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

Mohs hardness: 7

Crystal system: Trigonal

Lustre: vitreous

Transparency: transparent

Streak: White

Cleavage: None

Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven

Specific gravity: 2.65

Refractive index: 1.544-1.553

Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic

Colour range: Pale green to yellow-green

Common inclusions: Growth features, fractures, and matrix/inclusion structures as applicable

Geological environment: Species-dependent; see formation process

Principal mining regions: Base quartz often from Brazil and other quartz sources; color commonly treatment-derived

Important commercial sources: Most prasiolite in commerce is produced by heat treatment of suitable quartz material

Historical significance: Recognized in modern gem and mineral trade contexts.

Common treatments: Heat treatment is common in commercial material.

Synthetic or imitation forms: Imitations may exist depending on material category.

Common look-alikes: Species-dependent look-alikes in trade.

Jewellery uses: Used in faceted stones and jewelry.

Care recommendations: Durable quartz; avoid prolonged high heat and disclose treatment status.

Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Prasiolite.

Formation

Usually formed in trade by heat treatment of quartz precursors with suitable color centers.

Origin

Most prasiolite in commerce is produced by heat treatment of suitable quartz material

Uses

Best for: Used in faceted stones and jewelry.

Ideal uses: Affordable light-green faceted jewelry with treatment disclosure.

Prasiolite FAQ

How can I identify Prasiolite?

Compare hardness (7 Mohs), crystal system (Trigonal), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.

What colour range does Prasiolite appear in?

Light green quartz commonly marketed as prasiolite.

Where is Prasiolite commonly used?

Affordable light-green faceted jewelry with treatment disclosure.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.