Prase Quartz - Natural Green Variety of Quartz

Prase quartz is a macrocrystalline variety of quartz with a distinctive green color. Its name derives from the Greek word "prason," meaning "leek," alluding to its resemblance to the leafy green vegetable. 

Quartz Green Variety - Prase

Prase Quartz enchanting color arises from the presence of microscopic inclusions of actinolite, chlorite, or other green amphibole minerals, which impart a mossy or fibrous appearance to the quartz crystals.

How Prase Quartz is Formed

The green color of prase quartz originates from tiny inclusions of actinolite, an amphibole mineral, or hedenbergite, a pyroxene mineral. These microscopic inclusions scatter light within the quartz crystal, producing the characteristic verdant shade. 

Prase quartz is typically found in skarns, which are rocks that form when magma of igneous rocks intruded into carbonate rocks. The hot silica-rich fluids that escape from the cooling magma enter the neighboring carbonate rocks and cause chemical alterations and the formation of new minerals. 

Prase quartz is often found associated with pyroxenes, amphiboles, epidote, iron oxide minerals, and garnets.

Prase Quartz from Serifos Island, Greece Photo: Anton Watzl

Prase Quartz Characteristics and Properties

Prase quartz exhibits a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, indicating its durability and resistance to scratching. Its vitreous luster, a glass-like shine, adds to its allure. While prase quartz typically occurs in crystalline form, it can also be found in massive, granular aggregates.

Varieties of Prase Quartz

Prase quartz exhibits a range of green tones, from pale and delicate to deep and rich. Its transparency varies from translucent to opaque, depending on the concentration of inclusions. The gemstone often occurs in massive, granular forms, but well-formed crystals are also found. Prase quartz is often distinguished from chrysoprase, another green quartz variety, by its coarser grain size and more opaque appearance. Prase quartz can vary in color from pale green to deep green, and can sometimes exhibit a mossy appearance.

Natural roght Prase Quartz crystals on matrix from Serifos, Greece. Photo: TheMineralCollective

Prase Quartz Distribution and Localities

Prase quartz is found in various locations worldwide, including Germany, Australia, Brazil, and the United States. Notable localities include the Elbe River valley in Germany, where prase quartz has been mined for centuries, and the Pilbara region of Western Australia, where prase quartz is found in association with iron ore deposits.

Prase Green Quartz Necklace Pendant

Prase Quartz Metaphysical Properties and Uses

Prase quartz is believed to possess various beneficial properties, including promoting growth, creativity, and inner peace. It is also associated with healing and balance, making it a popular choice for crystal healing practices. Prase quartz is often incorporated into jewelry, crafted into cabochons, beads, and carvings. Its vibrant green color adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any piece.

Uses of Prase

Prase is used in a variety of applications, including jewelry, art, and crystal healing.

• Jewelry: Prase is a popular gemstone for jewelry. It is often used in necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. Prase can also be used to create cabochons, which are smooth, polished stones that are often used in pendants and rings.

• Art: Prase is also used in art. It can be carved into sculptures or used to create mosaics. Prase is also a popular material for cabochons, which are often used in jewelry and other decorative objects.

• Crystal Healing: Prase is used in crystal healing to promote peace, tranquility, and growth. It is believed to help to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and stimulate creativity. Prase is also said to enhance problem-solving abilities and promote emotional well-being.

See also:
Ferruginous Quartz - Natural Red Quartz
Dumortierite Quartz: Rare Blue Quartz