Glossary entry
Prasiolite
Definition
A transparent green variety of macrocrystalline quartz, commonly produced commercially by heat-treating amethyst or irradiating quartz.
A transparent green variety of macrocrystalline quartz, commonly produced commercially by heat-treating amethyst or irradiating quartz.
Why it matters
Prasiolite is the clearest gemological name for the material frequently sold as “green amethyst.” The term helps distinguish green quartz from purple amethyst and from unrelated green gemstones.
Examples
Faceted prasiolite is used in rings, pendants, earrings, and loose-stone collections. It often appears pale mint, yellow-green, gray-green, or leek green.
Related terms
Amethyst, quartz, heat treatment, irradiation, green quartz, color center, windowing.