Where is Prasiolite found?
Quartz (green variety)
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Open the appPrasiolite occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Prasiolite
Monteiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
A primary source of amethyst that is heat-treated to produce most commercial prasiolite.
Lower Silesia, Poland
Another significant source of amethyst and yellowish quartz used for heat treatment.
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Known for natural prasiolite occurrences, though these are rare and typically less intensely colored than heat-treated material.
Serra de CarnaíBA, Bahia, Brazil
Some natural prasiolite has been reported from this region.
Collecting tips
- Look for Quartz Deposits. Prasiolite is a variety of quartz, so search for geological environments known to host quartz, such as pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and volcanic geodes. Natural prasiolite is often found alongside amethyst.
- Examine Color Carefully. Natural prasiolite tends to have a more subtle, often grayish-green or leek-green color, compared to the brighter, more uniform green of heat-treated material. Be aware that most commercial prasiolite is treated.
- Check for Inclusions. Like other quartz varieties, prasiolite can contain various inclusions, though high-quality gem material is typically eye-clean. Inclusions can sometimes help in identifying the origin or natural vs. treated status.
- Consider Hardness. As quartz, prasiolite will scratch glass and steel. This can be a quick field test to confirm it is a quartz variety, though it won't distinguish it from other quartz types.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Pale to medium green
- Luster:
- Vitreous
- Streak:
- White
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