Green Amethyst Meaning and Benefits

Green amethyst, referred to as prasiolite, is a variety of quartz that gets its green color from the presence of iron impurities as well as exposure to heat.  It’s a rare form of amethyst found in a few deposits throughout the world.  While green amethyst isn’t the true name, some people refer to it as such, but do note that it is an incorrect term, as even the FTC sees it as being a “misleading term.”  For the sake of this guide, however, we will talk about green amethyst, but let it be known it should be called prasiolite.

If you find green amethyst, it’s often in the form of jewelry, from rings to necklaces.  Over the years, its popularity has increased, mainly due to its unique color as well as its affordability in comparison to other gemstones.  This makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a delicate tone.

Green amethyst meaning

Soothing effects: Green amethyst is said to have a soothing effect on the mind, body and soul, promoting emotional balance as well as clarity of thought.  It’s said to be a gemstone that can help release negative emotions and thoughts, paving the way for positive energy.

Connection to spiritual realm:  Green amethyst is said to have a very strong connection to the spiritual realm and it may help facilitate spiritual growth and connections.  It may help enhance your intuition and psychic abilities, which enable you to think much deeper into the world around you.

Luck: In general, the color green is often linked to abundance, luck and prosperity.  This is no different, as green amethyst is associated with all three of these.  It’s said to bring you good fortune and opportunities for great future success.

Creativity: Creativity wise, green amethyst may help inspire and encourage your artistic side.  It’s said to stimulate your imagination as well as enhance yourself to think outside of the box.

Inner peace:  Like amethyst, green amethyst is associated with inner peace and tranquility.  It’s said to help reduce stress, anxiety and provide you with a sense of calm.

Protection:  Protection is often associated with any amethyst.  In fact, soldiers hundreds of years ago often thought green amethyst had these properties, and it was the reason they would wear it to battle.

Green amethyst benefits

• soothing effect on the mind, body, soul
• has a strong connection to the spiritual realm
• linked to abundance, luck and prosperity
• may encourage your creative side
• associated with peace
• like amethyst, known as a great protection stone

Is green amethyst real amethyst?

Yes, it’s a real and natural form of amethyst.  It’s a type of quartz that’s created when either amethyst or citrine is heat treated at high temperatures.  This can be done naturally or by man.  During this process, the iron impurities are oxidized, causing the stone’s color to change from purple or yellow to a shade of green.

While some people question its legitimacy, amethyst is 100% a natural amethyst.  Aside from its green color, amethyst can occur in a variety of other quartz colors such as yellow and purple.

The last note here is that not all green stones are not necessarily “green amethyst,” as some stones may be dyed or treated in other ways to mimic that of amethyst.  To ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate crystal, here are some things to know…

How can you tell if green amethyst is real?

To tell if green amethyst is real, there are a few things you can pay attention to:

Color:  A genuine green amethyst will have a natural green color that ranges from pale green to something much deeper.  Pay close attention to the color as the color should be even throughout the stone with no discoloration or brown tints.  If the color seems too bright or even vivid, it could be a sign it was heat treated.

Clarity:  Usually, a natural green amethyst will have good clarity, simply meaning it should be free of inclusions and any internal flaws.  If you see cracks and/or the stone seems cloudy, then there could be a good chance it isn’t genuine.

Hardness:  Green amethyst is a relatively hard stone, rating a 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.  If you find that the stone can scratch easier than you thought, this is a massive red flag.

Weight:  Almost all green amethyst should have a consistent weight and density with no air pockets or inconsistencies.  If the stone feels unnaturally light or it seems hollow, it could be fake.

Certification:  Lastly, you can always ask for certification if you’re that concerned.  This will often come from a reputable laboratory such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gemological Society (AGS).  These certifications will let you know about the stone as well as its authenticity.

NOTE: Most of your green amethyst is often made by heating Brazilian amethyst.  During this process, the gemstone will need to be heated at high temperatures around 1,000 Fahrenheit, but it must contain the right material to turn it to a green color.  As you may know, natural amethyst is purple, however, when it’s heated, it can turn into a variety of colors, from yellow to red, brown and green.  These colors can be removed as well, and it’s the reason you should keep amethyst away from direct heat.

Is green amethyst rare?

Yes, naturally formed green amethyst is quite rare.  It used to be found in Brazil, Poland and Canada, however, in recent years, it has only been mined in Brazil, specifically the Montezuma deposit in Minas Gerais, Brazil.  While it’s hard to give a definite estimate as to how much is left on earth, it’s believed to be much less than other quartz such as amethyst, citrine, etc.  This rarity makes green amethyst only more desirable and continues to increase its price.

Green amethyst history

Prasiolite was first discovered more than 200 years ago and was quickly used to make jewelry.  In fact, one of the most well-known green amethyst was worn by Catherine the Great, and was presented by the Polish King Stanislaw II.  Throughout her life, she wore this as  away in believing she was the greatest.  The term comes from two words, prason, which means “leek,” and lithos, which means “stone.”  This name came from the hexagonal prismatic crystals and the green color represented that of a leek.  It received its name in the early 20th century.