This amazing stone is compared in its appearance to young unfermented wine, to the sun in a bottle, to Chartreuse liqueur.
Prehnite stone is surrounded by controversy - it is quite common in nature, but is rarely used in jewelry.
Prehnite belongs to the third group of stones, but products with it are quite expensive. This is the first mineral to be named after the person who discovered it.
Prehnite stone is often confused with peridot and chrysoberyl . It has many other names - Cape emerald, grape jade, edelite, adilite, chiltonite.
Origin story
In the mid-18th century, the Danish navigator and explorer Hendrik von Prehn brought to Europe an unknown stone that he found at the Cape of Good Hope.
Jewelers of that time liked the new stone, and they began to include the mineral in their compositions; it soon became fashionable and was called “prehnite.”
At that time, a recipe for Chartreuse liqueur was invented, and the color of prehnite was compared with the color of the popular liqueur.
Gradually, the stone was forgotten and only in the 70s of the last century, when a new deposit of high-quality prehnite was found in Australia, did it become popular again. The color and size of a stone are criteria for its value.
How to spot a fake
Artificial stones are often passed off as prehnite; it is also difficult to distinguish it from peridot, chrysoprase and even emerald by external signs. The only way to determine the authenticity of a mineral at home is to hold it near the fire of a candle. The natural gem will begin to melt under the influence of the flame, forming a homogeneous white mass. In order not to risk the beauty of the jewelry and not stumble upon a fake, it is recommended to purchase prehnite jewelry exclusively in jewelry stores.
Physical properties
- In nature, prehnite occurs in a spherical form; its clusters resemble clusters of unripe grapes.
- Prehnite consists mainly of luminosilicate, calcium and magnesium.
- Chemical formula: Ca2Al(Al, Si3O10)(OH)2.
- Its hardness on the Mohs scale is 6-6.5 units. Prehnite lends itself well to cutting.
- The specific gravity of prehnite is 2.9 units.
- Prehnite does not tolerate high temperatures and begins to melt in fire. It can be destroyed by hydrochloric acid.
Place of Birth
Small deposits of the mineral are observed on all continents of the globe.
Several countries are engaged in the extraction of gems:
- Austria;
- China;
- Germany;
- France;
- Australia;
- Scotland;
- America.
In nature, the mineral appears in hydrothermal and igneous rocks. In some deposits, scientists encounter unique and unusual stones - spherical crystals, compounds with apophrinites and natural green minerals.
We recommend reading: Diamond – a precious standard of strength and beauty
Varieties, shades
When processed, the stone has a glassy or pearlescent sheen.
In terms of its transparency, the mineral can be translucent, translucent and completely transparent. Transparent stones are rare and are more valuable. Prehnite is capable of producing a glow in any light.
Natural prehnite has a variety of shades:
- light green;
- whitish;
- grayish green;
- yellowish brown;
- yellowish green.
It should be noted that the color of prehnite is often heterogeneous; sometimes one can observe inclusions of rutile needles and various spots in the thickness of the mineral.
Australian prehnite is especially beautiful and valuable; when processed, it emits a special light coming from within, similar to the glow of a moonstone. The Malian prehnite is not inferior to it in beauty.
Physico-chemical characteristics
The formula of prehnite indicates that it is a silicate with admixtures of aluminum and calcium in its composition.
| Formula | Ca2Al(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 |
| Color | White, colorless, yellowish-green, brownish-yellow |
| Stroke color | Colorless |
| Shine | Glass, mother-of-pearl |
| Transparency | Translucent, translucent |
| Hardness | 6,0—6,5 |
| Density | 2.8—2.95 g/cm³ |
| singonia | Rhombic |
More often found in the form of balls - individual or collected in “clusters”.
It melts when heated.
Magic properties
Even in ancient times, it was noticed that prehnite has certain magical properties. If a person has some clairvoyant abilities, then wearing prehnite greatly enhances them.
The stone can cause prophetic dreams, helps to see deceased relatives in a dream and talk to them.
The stone helped African and Australian shamans interact with spirits. The most valuable in this regard was transparent prehnite interspersed with rutile needles.
Prehnite is especially useful for women; it gives them confidence, feminine attractiveness, helps them achieve family happiness, and helps them overcome difficulties in love relationships.
The stone is recommended to be worn by people with a strong psyche; it can cause harm to unbalanced people. And it’s better not to wear it all the time, but for several hours a day.
Colors and types of prehnite stone
Prehnite is rich in various color shades
Prehnite has a glassy luster that changes its usual shades. The radiance makes it extraordinary. In nature, light green, white, yellowish-green, brown-yellow and gray-green gems are found. Jewelers prefer to work with specimens endowed with the “cat’s eye” effect. These are iridescent green stones. Very rarely, striking specimens are found - grayish and colorless minerals.
Prehnite, mined in Australia, is considered one of the most remarkable. It has a moonlight effect. If you look at it, it begins to seem that the stone shines from within and illuminates everything around with light.
Medicinal properties
Lithotherapists advise wearing prehnite in close proximity to the diseased organ, which is when the stone can help alleviate the condition:
- Beads and pendants with prehnite have a positive effect on the immune system.
- To alleviate the condition of kidney disease, it is recommended to wear prehnite in a trouser belt buckle.
- Bracelets with prehnite significantly improve the condition of anemia.
- Earrings and necklaces have a beneficial effect on brain function, reduce absent-mindedness, and slow down the development of tumor processes.
- Beads help improve the condition of cardiovascular diseases and diseases of the spine.
- Regardless of its location on the body, prehnite helps with gout.
Prehnite
Prehnite is an exotic stone for the Russian buyer, since there are no deposits of such silicates in our country. Prehnite was first discovered in the Australian Tanami Desert by local aborigines. The island of Australia 500 million years ago was a lifeless volcanic formation. It was then that a mineral of amazing beauty was born, which today is known to the world as prehnite.
Prehnites are light green, white, yellowish-green, gray-green. They have an attractive glassy luster. You can come across some amazingly beautiful prehnites with a cat's eye effect. Translucent prehnites belong to class 3 precious stones, and are in the same group with such valuable minerals as rock crystal, moonstone, garnet and others. The delicate light green shade of the mineral is very reminiscent of the color of the famous chrysoprase - the stones can be easily confused.
The cost of the mineral on the market varies greatly. The price of high-quality processed prehnite can exceed hundreds of dollars per carat - it is a truly valuable mineral, beloved by jewelers and jewelry aficionados. The modern market offers many affordable samples.
Among similar minerals, prehnite perhaps occupies a special place. This is a hard stone, often found transparent, which allows you to create real masterpieces of jewelry from it. The most important advantage of prehnite is its ability to shine and glow in sunlight. Beads made of transparent prehnites shine in the sun like ripe bunches of white grapes! High quality, clear prehnites are cut like gemstones - a stunning bevel cut. But most often, prehnites are cut in the form of cabochons (hemispheres), which are inserted into rings, earrings and other jewelry. Charming figures are also cut out of prehnite - all kinds of fish, stars, etc. Gems and mosaics made from various shades of this mineral look amazing.
The wonderful shine and play of reflections on the surface of prehnite has an intoxicating effect on others. The soft glow of the stone is almost addictive - you want to look at it for a long time without taking your eyes off. The mineral's palette reveals notes of fresh mint and lime, and shades of light dessert wine. The peculiarity of prehnite is that transparent stones have many different inclusions that make it fantastically interesting! In transparent light minerals you can see inclusions of needle-shaped, crystalline and other types that were formed millions of years ago. Such cute, and at the same time, grandiose geological details surprise, fascinate and delight! No less delightful are the opaque, matte prehnites.
Probably the very first people to know about this mineral were the ancient African aborigines. They called prehnites “dream stones” and used them in shamanic rituals and fortune telling, as well as for astral travel to other dimensions. Medieval Europeans considered prehnite a mystical stone and wore prehnite talismans.
Since ancient times, prehnite has symbolized peace and tranquility. In European countries, it has always been believed that prehnite has a special effect on women, helping them protect their delicate aura and always look great.
Prehnite is a stone of peace and tranquility. Astrologically, the stone is suitable for Libra, but representatives of other zodiac signs can also wear it; the stone will not harm them. The mineral helps its clients constantly feel harmony and peace of mind. The stone is a symbol of wisdom, modesty and tranquility. Suitable for constant meditation, revives old memories. Prehnite helps women take a leading position in the team.
Origin of the name Prehnite is one of the first stones to receive its name in honor of a famous person. The mineral is named after the Danish captain Hendrik von Prehn, who brought it to Europe from the Cape of Good Hope in the mid-18th century. In Asia, prehnite is called grape jade, because its color and transparency exactly resemble the shade of ripe white grapes illuminated by the rays of the sun. South Africans call this mineral Cape emerald, Cape peridot. Other names for prehnite are adilite, chiltonite, edelite.
Deposits High-quality prehnite crystals are mined in the United States of America, Australia, China, Scotland, and southern Africa. The mineral is also mined in France and Germany.
Healing properties Like all minerals, prehnite has healing properties - it improves immunity and helps cure complex diseases such as anemia. Modern lithotherapists recommend wearing prehnite jewelry to everyone who suffers from gout. To prevent the treatment of various kidney diseases, it is recommended to carry the mineral in your pocket in the lumbar region - this will help cope with pyelonephritis, kidney failure, etc.
Prehnite has a positive effect on the Heart chakra - this is the 4th chakra ANAHATA. The color of the stone corresponds to the color of the chakra - green. The heart chakra is influenced by the Sun and the planets Venus and Saturn. An open and normally functioning ANAHATA increases the efficiency of the three lower chakras and has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, chest, and spine. Read more about: Main chakra stones
If you constantly wear prehnite pendants, then the likelihood of chest and spine disease can be reduced to zero. According to lithotherapists, prehnite bracelets help even with frostbite. Earrings and pendants strengthen memory, help concentrate, and increase performance. Such jewelry is ideal for students and teachers, as well as anyone who has a professional relationship with music and history.
Magical properties Prehnite is the personification of peace, tranquility and harmony in the home. This mineral is actively used in their activities by practicing magicians and mediums - they predict the future, contact other worlds, and make astral travel to the future and past.
The stone helps everyone who wants to comprehend the depths of magic, learn the harmony of the Universe, strengthen willpower, perseverance and self-confidence. Earrings and pendants with prehnite help people suffering from excessive absent-mindedness.
In medieval Europe, it was believed that prehnites had a special effect on women - beads and bracelets made from this mineral made their owners extremely attractive to men and added to their self-confidence. The vibration frequency of the stone has the most positive effect on the female aura. If you are in a long-term search for your other half, buy jewelry with prehnite and there is a high probability that your personal life will improve in the very near future.
Prehnite is an excellent talisman for everyone who strives for complete harmony with the world around them. If you meditate often and cannot imagine your life without regular and long rest in nature, this is your stone. Don't forget to take the pebble with you when traveling and travelling. The mineral will feed you with the necessary energy and open up the body's reserve resources in emergency situations.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
Astrologers believe that this stone is especially suitable for people born under the sign of Libra. Prehnite helps to achieve harmony with oneself and with the surrounding reality.
Let's consider how prehnite will affect representatives of other zodiac signs:
- For air signs ( Libra, Aquarius, Gemini ), the mineral will help them find a life partner, adding balance, practicality and realism to them.
- For earth signs ( Virgo, Capricorn, Taurus ), this stone will serve as protection against ailments, ill-wishers, illnesses, and will become their amulet.
- For fire signs ( Leo, Aries, Sagittarius ), the stone will give insight, insight, and help them better understand current events and the people around them.
- For water signs ( Pisces, Scorpio ), the stone will add positive energy, protect against depression, and bring spiritual comfort. But for Cancers ; it will make them secretive, inert and unemotional.
Jewelry with crystals
Before its appearance in Europe, the gem was used for mineral collections. Later, masters noticed its ability to shine in the rays of the sun. They began to create jewelry with stones from solid transparent crystal.
Decorated with silver and gold cuts, the stone looks like a masterpiece, rivaling expensive jewelry. From translucent and translucent they produced:
- cabochons;
- beads;
- mosaic;
- vases
There are differences in the price of jewelry. Fans pay a lot of money for one carat of gem. In addition to elite ones, the market offers cheaper products. Gems are cut in the form of cabochons (hemispheres):
- earrings;
- rings;
- rings;
- bracelets;
- necklace;
- pendants.
Multi-colored stones are combined with metal, which increases their jewelry status.
The approximate cost of jewelry with Prehnite is:
- Earrings from 370 rubles.
- Ring with stone from 500 rub.
- Bracelet – 700 rub.
- Beads – 1360 rub.
The exact price must be clarified in the regions of purchase.
Talismans and amulets
Prehnite is chosen as a talisman by mediums, magicians and sorcerers. The stone helps mediums communicate with the souls of dead people. It helps predictors to more accurately foresee events and sends prophetic dreams.
Mages and sorcerers reveal their abilities better in the presence of a prehnite amulet; it also helps them protect their talents.
Jewelry with prehnite for women will be a strong amulet. It will be especially useful for those women who cannot find their life partner for a long time. This talisman will protect you from the hardships of fate and from difficulties in family relationships.
Where is the mineral used?
The mineral has found application in jewelry, arts and crafts and collecting:
- Jewelers do not particularly revere the gem due to its lack of brightness. But after good processing, the cloudy stones acquire a pearlescent or almost glassy sheen. They are used to make a complete set of jewelry, framing the inserts with gold and silver.
The delicate range of prehnites is good for bright or colorful outfits: it balances the riot of colors, adding sophistication. Such jewelry can be worn in sets.
- Master stone-cutters love prehnite for its relative ease of processing. It is used to create small sculptures and occult assortments (pyramids, pendulums, balls). A variety of colors allows you to create prehnite mosaics.
- Collectors are interested in geodes and fans of crystals. Like African shamans, moss prehnite (cloudy pebbles with internal inclusions in the form of needles and other formations) is valued.
Ring with prehnite
Affordability plus the mystical aura of the stone increase its demand.
Price and care
Prehnite is a rather expensive stone, despite belonging to the third group of minerals. Small stones cost about 3-50 dollars. Products with large stones - necklaces and bracelets - cost $100-200.
Caring for stones is easy. It is enough not to expose them to high temperatures, fire, and to avoid interaction with chemicals, especially hydrochloric acid.
To clean contaminated products with prehnite, soak them in a simple soap solution and clean with a regular toothbrush, then rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a natural cloth.
How to distinguish natural prehnite from fake
Drop-cut prehnites.
Photo: vettrigemsusa.com Prehnite is distinguished by its high strength and the fact that it is easily amenable to heat. Accordingly, it is difficult to leave a scratch on it, but contact with heat may cause the surface of the mineral to begin to bubble.
To check whether the prehnite in front of you is natural or fake, you can place a specimen in hydrochloric acid: real prehnite will dissolve after some time. However, as you might guess, this procedure is one-time and irreversible.
Interesting Facts
- For lovers of meditation and outdoor recreation, prehnite is an indispensable talisman; it helps to achieve complete harmony and peace.
- While traveling, prehnite will protect its owner from dangers and from the negative attitude of others.
- This stone makes it easier to endure the heavy blows of fate and recover from losses more quickly; it is able to “wipe away the tears” of a suffering person and give oblivion.
Differences between a real stone and a fake
Prehnite's beautiful color misleads people and it is often mistaken for emerald. In this regard, from ancient times they began to skillfully counterfeit it. Of course, the price of a fake stone is much lower than a product made from a natural mineral, but the former does not have healing powers.
First of all, to correctly identify a fake, contact a specialist. If there is no one nearby, you can try to cope with this task yourself.
Remember: natural stones are always cold, except for amber. Take the jewelry in your palm and hold it - the prehnite should be cool. Another feature is that artificial stones are always brighter than their natural “counterparts”.
