The formation of prehnite stone began 530 million years ago. At that time, the Australian continent was almost completely covered with volcanoes and lava. It froze and turned into basalt. The stones were formed in this rock. Prehnite can be found literally under your feet. But due to the hot Australian sun and frequent winds, the samples became gray and unattractive. Beautiful green pebbles are mined in basalt slabs. Read who brought the mineral to Europe and who this stone is suitable for.
History of the stone
Western civilization was introduced to the mineral by the Dutchman Henrik van Pren, governor of the Cape Province in South Africa. At that time (XVIII century) it was a Dutch colony.
The Frenchman Balthazar Georges Sage described the gem, but considered it a chrysolite.
The German mineralogist A. Werner brought clarity. He proved that this was a new mineral and proposed to name it in honor of the discoverer. Van Pren did not live long enough to see this day.
But the history of the name was just beginning. It was created by the found varieties of gems:
- Prehnite stone is known as Cape peridot, Cape emerald, adilite, chiltonite.
- When the Carthusian monks introduced their own Chartreuse liqueur, prehnite became the “Chartreuse-colored mineral.”
- Asian deposits of prehnite gave the world a variety of “grape jade”: hollow greenish stones resembling grapes.
- The discovery of deposits in Australia fueled interest in the stone. The result was the registration of the “solar jade” trademark. The second commercial name is “sun in a bottle.”
- The Russian gem from the Urals is extolled by Mikhail Pylyaev in a book about precious stones and their magical properties.
Along the way, they came up with methods for refining stone using irradiation and heating.
The pride of the Calgary Mineralogical Museum (Canada) is a prehnite cabochon weighing 38 carats.
The guru of Soviet mineralogy, academician Alexander Fersman, identified prehnite as a third-order gemstone.
A new peak in the popularity of the stone occurred in the 1970s and has not subsided to this day.
Colors and varieties
Official geological descriptions indicate the possible colors of chiltonite: white, yellowish, greenish, brownish, colorless.
The peculiarity of the stone is its internal shine, leaving a feeling of a mystical aura. Specimens of gray-green, apple, and onion shades are prized. Gray and yellowish-green gems are mined. The sign of belonging to prehnites is the uniqueness of the shade combined with the mother-of-pearl effect and shine associated with glass.
Photos from mineralogical museums and private collections show how diverse the color range of the gem is. Thanks to this wealth, adilite is valued on a par with rock crystal and garnet. It competes with moonstone and is classified as third-tier jewelry.
Cape peridot
A particularly interesting subspecies is the Australian one. It's like he's shining from within. Connoisseurs compare the effect to the light of a distant star.
Often the stones are unevenly colored and covered in spots. Occasionally, transparent specimens and specimens with a cat's eye effect are found.
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.
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.
Stone deposits
The first stone that Europeans became acquainted with was South African. Since then, deposits of the mineral have been discovered on other continents:
- North America – Canada, USA.
- Europe - Russia, Italy, France, Spain, Scotland, Germany.
- Asia – China, India, Kazakhstan.
The best raw materials are mined in Australia and neighboring New Zealand - large, jewelry-quality specimens of yellow-gold tones. In the USA, green prehnite is found, visually indistinguishable from emerald.
Its volcanic or hydrothermal origin makes it easy to obtain, and in the Australian desert it is collected on the surface.
Place of Birth
To date, prehnite deposits have been discovered in different countries:
- Australia;
- Scotland;
- Spain;
- Italy;
- France;
- India;
- Germany;
- Austria;
- Russia;
- USA;
- in China.
In nature, this mineral is found in the form of a ball, in the form of crystals, and kidney aggregates. Its deposits are located at a relatively shallow depth. The closer this stone is to the surface of the earth, the paler its shade, the lower the cost. More valuable examples of bright colors lie deeper; when processed, they can be valued at hundreds of dollars per carat.
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.
Variety
Only true experts can understand the value of a stone. It was they who noticed the similarity of the inner glow of a translucent stone from the depths with Chartreuse, alluring, mysterious and elusive. The shine and inner glow make it unusual. Among the first connoisseurs of crystals were Zulu shamans, who saw petrified tears of past troubles in the whitish, greenish glass stones, a symbol of forgotten dreams and lost illusions.
Prenit, given to the world in the 18th century, appeared in all its charm. He sparkled with a palette of newly discovered gems:
- Colors found in nature:
- gray greens;
- brown-yellow;
- yellowish green;
- white;
- colorless;
- grey.
- Gray, green and whitish (with a moonlight effect) in numerous unique shades, the gems are distinguished by their pearlescent and glassy luster.
- Yellow minerals from the Australian deposit (gold, apple, onion flowers).
- Amazing examples of color combinations reminiscent of a cat's eye (green with iridescence).
- The richness of the palette of translucent gems puts them on a par with valuable minerals:
- pomegranate;
- rock crystal;
- moonstone.
It is classified as a precious stone. With its green tint, the gem vaguely resembles chrysoprase. The colors are distributed unevenly, with inclusions of rutile needles or spots in the depths of the translucent gem.
How to spot a fake
Prehnite is inexpensive and not particularly popular, so imitations are rare. Painted glass is offered under the guise of a mineral.
It is easy to distinguish natural stone from a fake:
- it heats up quickly in your hands;
- does not melt when exposed to fire;
- has internal inclusions-bubbles.
The production of such products is established in India.
A synthetic analogue of the stone, chrombonite, is legally stamped. It is cheaper and richer than a natural gem, but is used as a substitute for emerald.
Storage and care
Prehnite jewelry should be handled with care. To clean the stone, do not use hard brushes or aggressive chemicals. To remove dirt, the gem is washed with running water, then treated with soapy water, and wiped with a non-hard sponge. Dry the product in the fresh air, avoiding direct sunlight.
In order for prenite products to last a long time, you must adhere to the following rules:
- keep away from exposure to high temperatures and sources of fire;
- protect from contact with acids (including table vinegar), alkalis;
- store in a separate fabric bag;
- protect jewelry from mechanical damage.
Helpful information
To clean prehnite, you can only use a soap solution; it is strictly forbidden to rub the product on a bar of hard soap.
How to care for jewelry
Low Mohs hardness, fragility, and color instability make it necessary to care for the gem delicately:
- Dirt from the product is removed using products such as baby soap and a soft cloth. More “active” household chemicals can cause the pebble to fade to discoloration.
- Store jewelry in a soft inside, tightly closed box. It should not be placed near heat sources or on the windowsill.
- Jewelry with prehnite is not worn all the time; it is not worn to the beach, pool, or sauna.
For prehnite products, a separate box or box is allocated so that they are not damaged by more durable neighbors.
Applications of prehnite
Low quality prehnite is used to create mosaics for wall and floor cladding. Vases, figurines, boxes, bowls, souvenir figurines and other decorative interior items are made from higher quality samples. The best stones are used to create jewelry: rings, earrings, beads, brooches, pendants, bracelets. The gem is presented in both gold and silver frames. The final cost of the product directly depends on the type of metal framing the stone.
Prehnite cost
Russian manufacturers and sellers offer to buy jewelry and collection material at the following prices (RUB):
- beads – 980 – 3,200;
- bracelet – 1,500 – 3,800;
- ring (silver) – 1,980 – 4,300;
- earrings (silver) – 2,700 – 5,800;
- prehnite (raw, Mali, 57x42x45 mm) – 2,450;
- set of cabochons (up to 20 mm, 3 pieces) – 15,600.
Prehnite bracelet
The price is determined by the dimensions and number of inserts or beads.
Medicinal properties
Lithotherapists believe in the ability of prehnite to cure diseases. But doctors do not confirm the healing properties of the gem. Do not use it as the only therapy.
Traditional healers used the stone to treat headaches, toothaches, and muscle discomfort after sports training. It was used to improve immunity, in case of malfunction of the kidneys, heart and the development of anemia.
Earrings or a bracelet made of prehnite are worn to relieve pain from pyelonephritis and speed up wound healing.
Jewelry with stones improves attention and performance, strengthens memory and reduces distraction.
Lithotherapists believe that stones set in silver are more effective for treatment.
Therapeutic effects of prehnite
Lithotherapists have found that the healing properties of prehnite are enhanced when wearing certain products:
- Earrings or a hairpin with a stone normalize and activate brain function: memory improves, absent-mindedness is smoothed out, and creative thinking increases. The development of cranial oncology is inhibited.
- A bracelet or ring helps fight gout and anemia.
- A brooch, necklace, beads, choker support the functioning of the immune system. Reduce symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
- A sautoir or buckle with a stone, attached to a belt, improves the functioning of the kidneys and the genitourinary system as a whole.
Silver is recognized as the best “healing” setting for the stone of harmony and tranquility.
Properties and uses of stone
The main area of use of prehnite is considered to be jewelry making. Although jewelry with stones is rare due to the dullness of the color, some craftsmen use it in the manufacture of beads, bracelets, brooches, rings, and earrings. Most often, prehnite is processed in the form of cabochons, rounded shapes.
Prehnite is used in the construction and decorative industries.
Boxes, ashtrays, figurines, dishes and vases are made from it. Sometimes stone is used for wall cladding and when creating colored mosaics to decorate the interior.
Physico-chemical characteristics
Prehnite is formed among igneous rocks and has the following distinctive features:
- chemical formula: Ca2Al(Al, Si3O10)(OH)2;
- hardness on the Mohs scale: 6-6.5 points;
- rhombic system;
- perfect cleavage;
- glass luster with pearlescent tint;
- color: yellowish, white, green, gray;
- translucent, transparent;
- density: 2.8-2.95 g/cm3
Most often, minerals are found in a fan-like shape with various bends. Their physical characteristics depend on the place of extraction and formation conditions.
Additionally, read the article about sarinite stone.
What a processed gem cabochon looks like:
Medicinal properties of prehnite
Lithotherapists note that jewelry with crystal inserts have a certain specialization depending on the area of wear:
- Earrings, hairpins, headbands with mineral stimulate brain function, improve concentration and memory. They develop innovative thinking and have a positive effect on hearing and vision.
- Bracelets and rings treat gout and anemia. Relieves pain in joints and muscles, improves the condition of the musculoskeletal system.
- Pendants, beads, and necklaces help relieve the symptoms of viral, infectious, and autoimmune diseases. Improves the protective function of cells in the body, increases immunity.
- Sautoirs and belt buckles improve the functioning of the genitourinary system. They treat diseases of the kidneys and other internal organs in this area.
The best metal for prehnite frames is silver. It will enhance its natural energy, making treatment with the stone more effective.
The magical properties of prehnite
The mineral is believed to have feminine energy. Even European fashionistas of the 18th century noticed that if you wear jewelry with prehnite on a social evening, then all the attention of men will be focused on its owner.
The gem truly has powerful natural energy. To a greater extent, it symbolizes qualities more characteristic of women:
- tenderness;
- Love;
- harmony and tranquility.
Prehnite amulets and talismans will help change your life in the following aspects:
- They will help you not to regret the past, not to attach special importance to bad memories and failures.
- Talismans attract love and family happiness. They make relationships between household members warm and trusting.
- Amulets will make a person more open and liberated. They will allow you to hear your own motives and desires. Earrings are especially effective for these purposes.
- Develop inner sense and intuition.
- Talismans made from uncut rock will allow you to start life with a clean slate, start doing something new, change your surroundings and forget previous grievances.
It is better to choose prehnite amulets in accordance with the horoscope.
The stone determines the owner according to the element to which the person belongs:
- For signs of the air element, the stone will help get rid of doubts and improve positive character traits. The signs will become more confident and decisive. The talisman will help you win the attention of the opposite sex.
- For earth signs, the breed will serve more as a talisman. It will prevent misfortunes, ward off ill-wishers and envious people.
- Fiery Aries, Sagittarius and Leo, having a talisman with them, will become more perky, more cheerful, and will direct their energy in a useful direction. They will become more discerning and insightful. They will be able to recognize lies and deception, protecting themselves from dubious adventures.
- Water signs will get rid of apathy. They will tune in to a positive mood, become more friendly and open. But Cancers should be careful when wearing the stone. With a weak character, he will only strengthen negative traits.
The power of the mineral will be fully revealed if you wear it together with obsidian and other earthly stones. This will balance the energy of the gem and help the owner of the minerals quickly achieve their goals.
Interesting Facts:
- The gem is considered one of the best stones for meditation. It helps you feel your astral body and come to absolute harmony.
- The best amulet for travel. Protects against dangers and negativity from the outside.
- The amulet will help you endure any of the blows of fate and become stronger. It will give oblivion and peace of mind.
About the extraordinary properties and harmony of the stone, see the following review:
Magical properties of the stone
More than any other, the magical properties of prehnite are known to African peoples. Thus, the sorcerers of the Zulu tribe use the stone for dream practices and communication with other worlds.
Tribesmen are recommended to wear jewelry to have a good dream or to relieve painful thoughts.
However, for representatives of Western civilization, prehnite magic is selective:
- Communication with a gem for a sensitive person or with an unstable psyche is fraught with addiction. A few “sessions” of contemplation will be enough to become a slave to the stone.
To prevent addiction, it is recommended to wear prehnites with obsidians.
- If the owner is confident in himself, the gem will become a tool for communication with the other world. It will be possible to communicate with deceased relatives, other people, and receive information in reality.
Practicing European magicians have identified the special significance of the stone for ladies.
Wearing products made from gemstones will make even a quiet and shy lady a confident lady: they will add charisma, help establish a business, and make others appreciate the owner of the talisman in a new way. Not particularly brilliant, mysterious prehnite fascinates men no worse than a ruby or diamond.
Compatibility with Zodiac signs
The gem is younger than many stones in age. But the monks of South Africa and Australian residents discovered healing powers and magical properties in it. Forecasters and shamans used its power to develop intuition. Prehnite with rutile inclusions has become an amulet for returning forgotten dreams and attracting prophetic dreams.
There is still debate about who the stone is suitable for. Its astrological properties have not been sufficiently studied. Magicians and soothsayers attribute the stone to Libra. They advise all other signs, except Cancer, to take a closer look at it.
The gem brings peace and tranquility. If the owner likes it, he will be happy with the amulet or decoration. Not a single zodiac sign will suffer from his spell.
| Signs | Compatibility |
| Scales | It is recommended to wear the gem in amulets, amulets, and jewelry. The mineral is completely compatible with this sign. It will balance the external softness of the sign with the underlying hardness, and will help create a difficult relationship with reality. |
| Gemini and Aquarius | The stone will help you find your other half. |
| Taurus, Capricorn and Virgo | An amulet with a crystal will provide protection against illnesses. |
| Aries, Sagittarius and Leo | Learn to analyze events. Jewelry with prehnite will teach you to distinguish good from evil. |
| Pisces | Get rid of apathy, stress and depression. Energy will create spiritual comfort. |
| Raku | Incompatible with the energy of the stone: it affects the intensification of negative emotions, secrecy, and inertia. |
Owners of the stone feel harmony and peace of mind. It symbolizes modesty. Using a gem for meditation brings peace and tranquility. The gem brings back memories. Women wearing it assert their leadership position among people.
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Prehnite and Zodiac
Astrologers have studied the influence of prehnite on the signs of the Zodiac. The stone is completely suitable for Libra, but is contraindicated for Cancers and Pisces.
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
| Aries | + |
| Taurus | + |
| Twins | + |
| Cancer | — |
| a lion | + |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | +++ |
| Scorpion | + |
| Sagittarius | + |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | + |
| Fish | — |
The rest of the zodiac signs can periodically wear jewelry for emotional or physical recharging.
The stars speak ♋
The beneficial influence of the gem on the signs of the Zodiac is noted by all astrologers.
Fickle Air signs will find a reliable “anchor” in jewelry with prehnite.
For fire signs, the stone will help them choose the right path and logically comprehend events.
Earth signs (they always stand firmly on their feet) will be protected by jewelry with prehnite from the evil eye and damage.
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There is serious disagreement among astrologers. Some believe that prehnite is ideal for Cancers, while others are afraid that this zodiac sign should not wear a gem. Therefore, listen to yourself, and you will understand whether this stone is yours or not.
Talismans and amulets
There are no legends or descriptions of the help of amulets with the mineral. This is explained by the late appearance of the amazing crystal. The ancient aborigines of Africa were the first to use prehnite for ritual and magical actions. Magicians and mediums developed their intuitive abilities and strengthened the gift of foresight. That is why the stone, due to its strong properties, is chosen as a talisman by magicians, sorcerers and mediums. They are the ones who can use its power. The amulet gives the owner prophetic dreams and attracts knowledge about the future and the future. It is purchased if you are afraid of upcoming events.
Strong wizards, possessing a mineral, fully reveal its capabilities. A pendant around the neck will be a protector of inner strengths, talents, hidden and bright. Harmony between magicians, patrons of higher powers, and the outside world will be achieved. The mind will begin to think broadly, globally, and ritual actions will begin to achieve their goals.
For women, the stone will become a talisman of leadership, perseverance, and perseverance. With a stone, she will easily cope with the hardships of a difficult fate and difficulties in love. Esotericists advise it to women who cannot get married for a long time. Mothers give it to daughters who are busy with their careers.
The meaning for a person is the opportunity to change his life, forget the past, get away from events that pull him back. The power of prehnite is both useful and dangerous; you need to be able to use it for the right purposes.
Prehnite colors
The glassy shine changes the usual colors. The shine changes the stone, making it unusual. There are several flowers found naturally:
- Light greens;
- White;
- Yellowish green;
- Brown-yellow;
- Gray green.
Jewelry craftsmen prefer crystals with the effect of the so-called cat's eye: iridescent green. There are unique rare specimens. Their shades: colorless and grayish.
Australian prehnite is considered particularly interesting. It has the effect of the lunar glow of a nearby planet. A photo of a stone allows you to see the appearance of the mineral. One gets the impression of inner radiance, light from the depths.
Stone care
The main danger for prehnite is high temperature, from which it must be protected; the mineral is also considered fragile, so when caring for products made from it, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- Do not place the gem and crafts made from it near the kitchen stove, fireplace, or heating appliances.
- Don't hit the stone.
- Wash in warm soapy water using a special brush or soft cloth.
- Store in individual boxes, protected from light, with velvet fabric placed on the sides, avoid proximity to other stones.
physical characteristics
The composition of the mineral is dominated by aluminum, silicon and calcium, and sometimes manganese or magnesium may be present. Prehnite is hard, which allows you to cut the crystal to the desired shape. But when heated, it begins to melt and also quickly dissolves in hydrochloric acid.
According to the degree of transparency, prehnite is:
- Transparent;
- Translucent;
- Translucent.
The first of them is extremely rare and highly valued.
The most common crystals are those with a dense spherical structure. Grape jade is named for its crystal shape, which resembles clusters of berries. In their raw form, gems are cloudy, but when cut they acquire a pearlescent sheen.
History and legends of origin
Prehnite is considered a natural, exotic cane. The birthplace of the mineral is Australia, which in ancient times was a lifeless volcanic formation.
The first description of the gem was made in the 18th century by the scientist Balsator Georges Sage. After compiling a detailed description, the specialist named the gem prehnite.
The mineral received such an unusual name in honor of the discoverer of the stone, Colonel Hendrik Van Pren. When visiting South Africa, the traveler brought crystals from the Cape of Good Hope to the European country.
Prehnite Stone
There are other names for the mineral. For example, in South Africa people compare it with Cape peridot, emerald, and in Asia - with grapes illuminated by the sun's rays.
In the 20th century, the popularity of the mineral decreased, but in the 70s in Australia, humanity discovered a deposit of prehnite. High quality stones were mined there. As a result, the gem again became popular as a jewel.
Today, the mineral has acquired a second youth. A brand called “Sunny Jade” was registered in Australia.
