Prasiolite Crystals Produced from Chevron Amethyst
Although this crystal is sold as prasiolite or green amethyst, both names are incorrect.
Green amethyst is a misnomer because the word 'amethyst' is a definition of the purple variety of quartz. Although shades can vary sometimes quite considerably, it does not occur in green or any other colour.
Natural prasiolite does exist but is extremely rare.
When amethyst is heated it turns a shade of yellow. Material from a small number of locations worldwide turns more of a green colour. This material is often used to reproduce prasiolite.
When the colour is produced naturally through radiation it exhibits a very subtle green colour. This is natural prasiolite.
Almost all prasiolite is produced in Brazil.
In recent years chevron amethyst (also known as banded amethyst) has started being sold as prasiolite. The stone is coloured either through a heat treatment or possibly with dye. It's very difficult to establish conclusively which method is used.
Our prasiolite crystals are size medium. Weights and sizes vary slightly from piece to piece.
