Green Quartz Facts
The quartz family produces a variety of beautifully colored gemstones including rose quartz, smoky quartz, citrine, amethyst and lemon quartz. Quartz that is light to medium green is referred to by various names including prasiolite, vermarine, lime citrine and green amethyst, among others. According to MineralsZone.com, green quartz is sometimes mistaken for more expensive gemstones, such as peridot and tourmaline.
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Formation
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According to GreenAmethysts.com, green quartz results when certain types of quartz are subjected to heat. In most cases, the heat turns the quartz yellow, brown or orange, but quartz that contains certain iron compounds reacts to the heat by turning various shades of green.
Geography
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Green quartz occurs in only a few geographic locations. According to GreenAmethysts.com the mineral is mined in Brazil, Arizona, along the California-Nevada border and in Zimbabwe. Green quartz sometimes develops alongside purple quartz (amethyst).
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Jewelry
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Green quartz is popular as a mounted gemstone. Like all quartz, it is scratch resistant, durable and, when polished, quite sparkly. Green quartz is popular for making earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings and other pieces of jewelry. The most popular cuts for the stone include pear shape, emerald and trillion cut.
Considerations
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According to Galleries.com, most gemstone-quality green quartz stones on the market are not naturally occurring. The stones typically mounted in jewelry are heat-treated amethyst.
Mythology
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According to MysticSculptress.com, green quartz is not associated with any zodiac sign and is not a birthstone for any month. However, it is attributed in mythology with linking the physical and spiritual aspects of life. Crystal healers and others believe that green quartz aids in physical and emotional healing, and also that it attracts prosperity.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Quartz crystals - geode image by santosilva from Fotolia.com
