Green amethyst, known in gemological circles as prasiolite, presents a fascinating anomaly within the quartz family. While its purple counterpart, amethyst, is widely recognized as the traditional birthstone for February, this green variety offers a unique and vibrant alternative. The stone’s journey from a heat-treated curiosity to a gemstone with its own distinct lore and value is a story of geological serendipity and modern gemological appreciation. This article delves into the history, formation, properties, and symbolism of green amethyst, drawing exclusively from available sources to provide a comprehensive overview for enthusiasts, collectors, and those born in February.
History and Lore
The historical narrative of green amethyst is inextricably linked to that of its purple parent, amethyst. The name "amethyst" derives from the Greek word amethystos, meaning "not intoxicated." Ancient Greeks believed the stone could prevent drunkenness, a belief associated with the god of wine, Bacchus. This protective quality extended beyond intoxication; amethyst was also thought to keep the wearer clear-headed in battle and business, and Renaissance Europeans believed it could calm lovers overwhelmed by passion. While these historical accounts primarily focus on the purple variety, the underlying symbolism of clarity, peace, and protection is often extended to the green form as well.
Green amethyst itself is a more recent development in gemological appreciation. For much of its known history, it was considered an artificial product. In the 1950s, American jewelers began selling heat-treated amethyst from Brazil as green amethyst. Because it was a treated stone, it was not highly valued, and jewelry made from it—such as rings and earrings—was not particularly popular. This perception changed significantly in the mid-1990s. A group of Polish and Ukrainian scientists published detailed research and scientific analysis of green amethyst specimens discovered in Silesia (Poland). These specimens, which were mostly olive-green and often formed the external layers of geodes with agate inside, were proven to have formed through natural means. This discovery shifted the understanding of green amethyst from a purely treated stone to one that could occur naturally, though it is still considered uncommon and even rare.
Geological Formation and Sources
The formation of green amethyst is a subject of some discussion in the provided sources. It is established that standard amethyst is a purple form of quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO2) whose violet color is due to the irradiation of iron impurities (Fe3+) along with significant quantities of trace elements. The green variety, prasiolite, can be created in a couple of ways. One method involves the irradiation of amethyst. Another, more common method is heating amethyst to extremely high temperatures. This heat treatment is quite common in the gemstone industry and can cause amethyst to lose its natural purple shade, transforming it into green.
A key point of discussion is whether green amethyst is natural. The answer depends on the definition of "natural." While much of the green amethyst on the market is created through heat treatment of amethyst, natural occurrences do exist. The most notable natural deposits are found in Silesia, Poland, where specimens were discovered in the 1800s but not formally described until the mid-1990s. Another significant source is the Four Peaks Mine in the Four Peaks area of east and northeast Arizona, which is cited as one of the most important mines for green amethyst. The color of natural green amethyst can vary, ranging from yellow-green to leafy green, and in some cases, it can be part of amegreen, a stone that expresses both amethyst colors.
Gemological Properties
Green amethyst shares the fundamental properties of quartz but possesses distinct characteristics that define its appearance and durability. As a member of the quartz family, it has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, which is typical for silica stones. This hardness makes it suitable for various types of jewelry, as it is resistant to scratching from everyday materials.
The stone is an oxide mineral and can express a myriad of green color shades, from lime green with a hint of yellow to deep pine forest green. Its crystal system is trigonal or hexagonal. The specific gravity of green amethyst is 2.65, which is standard for quartz. It has a brittle tenacity and no cleavage, meaning it does not have natural planes of weakness along which it can split easily. This lack of cleavage, combined with its hardness, contributes to its durability. The transparency of green amethyst ranges from transparent to approximately opaque. The color variation is influenced by the amount of iron compounds present and the specifics of the heat treatment or natural formation process.
Summary of Key Gemological Properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2) |
| Chemical Formula | SiO2 |
| Color | Green (varies from yellow-green to deep pine green) |
| Crystal System | Trigonal / Hexagonal |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.65 |
| Cleavage | None |
| Tenacity | Brittle |
| Transparency | Transparent to Opaque |
| Common Treatments | Heat treatment of amethyst; Irradiation |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The metaphysical properties attributed to green amethyst are a blend of its amethyst heritage and the unique symbolism of the green color ray. Sources describe green amethyst as both a physical and metaphysical healer. It is said to be concerned with the entire body, seeking health and wellness for every cell to improve the overall physical experience. Many people report that prasiolite works as a natural detoxifier, gently flushing out anything in the body that is not serving one's health. It is believed to help dissolve blockages, including ulcers, tumors, and growths, and is even said to be able to neutralize stomach acids.
In terms of chakra work, the meaning of green amethyst is closely tied to the heart chakra, or the green ray. Green crystals tend to work with this energetic hub, and green amethyst is no different. However, because it originated as regular amethyst, its properties do not disappear but rather merge. This makes green amethyst a worker for not only the heart chakra but also for the third eye and crown chakras, which are the focus points of regular amethyst. It is considered an anomaly for a single crystal to work with so many chakras simultaneously, which adds to its appeal in crystal healing circles.
For those born in February, green amethyst is specifically identified as a birthstone. It is said that individuals born in this month particularly benefit from the frequency of this stone. It is also considered a great gift for anyone celebrating a February birthday, especially newborn babies. While it is the birthstone for February, it is also described as one of the most versatile crystals in the world, suitable for anyone open-minded enough to receive its gifts.
Care and Cleaning
Given its physical properties, green amethyst requires reasonable care to maintain its beauty. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, it is relatively durable and can withstand daily wear in jewelry such as rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. However, like all gemstones, it should be protected from sharp blows and extreme temperature changes, which could potentially cause damage.
Cleaning green amethyst is straightforward. It can be washed with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is important to avoid harsh chemicals, as they could damage the stone's surface or affect its color. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for green amethyst, but steam cleaning should be avoided due to the potential for thermal shock. Storing green amethyst jewelry separately from harder stones (like diamonds or sapphires) or softer stones (like opals or pearls) will prevent scratches and abrasions.
Value and Jewelry
The value of green amethyst has evolved over time. Initially, as a treated stone, it was not considered particularly valuable. However, with the discovery and verification of natural deposits, its status has improved. While it may not command the same high prices as some rare gemstones, it is appreciated for its unique color and relative rarity compared to other quartz varieties.
Green amethyst is found in various forms of jewelry. It is commonly cut into faceted gemstones for rings, pendants, and earrings. Its green color makes it a popular choice for engagement rings, offering a distinctive and personal alternative to traditional diamonds. It is also available in raw or tumbled form for crystal healing purposes. When shopping for green amethyst, it is important to be aware of the various names it may be sold under, including Prasiolite, Green Quartz, Lime Citrine, Veregreen, and Amegreen. The Federal Trade Commission has banned the name "Green Amethyst" in some contexts because it can be misleading, implying the stone is a natural type of amethyst rather than a treated one. Therefore, reputable sellers will often use the name Prasiolite, especially for natural specimens.
Conclusion
Green amethyst, or prasiolite, stands as a distinctive and meaningful gemstone within the quartz family. Its history is a blend of ancient lore associated with amethyst and modern scientific discovery, particularly the verification of its natural occurrence in Poland and Arizona. Geologically, it can form naturally or be created through heat treatment of amethyst, resulting in a range of beautiful green hues. With a hardness of 7 and no cleavage, it is a durable stone suitable for a variety of jewelry applications. Metaphysically, it is revered for its purported healing properties, especially its connection to the heart chakra and its role as a detoxifier. As the February birthstone, it offers a unique alternative to traditional purple amethyst, symbolizing serenity, transformation, and spiritual insight. Its journey from a treated curiosity to a recognized gemstone with its own identity mirrors the ever-evolving understanding and appreciation of the natural world's treasures.