Prehnite Crystals with Fascinating Inclusions
Beautifully polished prehnite crystals from Mali.
The distinctive black inclusions in these prehnite tumbled stones are likely to be epidote. Prehnite from other locations can be included with black tourmaline or an amphibole.
Amphibole is a large and complex group of minerals, which can make identification difficult. The name comes from the Greek word for "ambiguous" because of the wide variety in composition and appearance of minerals in this group.
These translucent prehnite crystals have a vitreous lustre, which gives them a glass-like appearance and texture.
The mineral prehnite was first discovered in the Cape of Good Hope by Dutchman Hendrik von Prehn. The governor of the Cape of Good Hope and an avid mineral collector, he's believed to have been the first person to import prehnite to Europe.
Prehnite was named in his honour three years after he died in 1788.
Although a relatively hard mineral, prehnite is brittle so must be handled carefully.
Due to the inclusions, these prehnite crystals are classified as grade B. We also have grade A prehnite, which is relatively free from inclusions and exhibits a lighter, more subtle shade of green.
The black mineral inclusion within these prehnite crystals is likely to have influenced the stone's colour.
These prehnite crystals are large tumbled stones, but size can can vary from piece to piece.
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PIETERSITE
