Glossary

Green amethyst terminology

Prasiolite

A transparent green variety of quartz.

Amethyst

The purple variety of quartz; some suitable material may turn green when treated.

Color center

An atomic-scale defect or impurity interaction that can absorb certain wavelengths and create color.

Heat treatment

Controlled heating used to change or improve gemstone color.

Irradiation

Exposure to radiation under controlled conditions to alter color centers in a gemstone.

Windowing

A transparent-looking area in a poorly proportioned cut where light passes through instead of returning to the eye.