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Amethyst is a member of the quartz family which means its chemical make-up is silicon dioxide. Trace elements of other minerals or metals are the catalyst for the color of the stone. Now, an amethyst is purple… or is it? This stone can start out purple, but with additional heating, either in the earth or in a laboratory, shades of green are pulled out. Naturally occurring green amethyst is also called prasiolite. The name is derived from the Greek words "prason" and "lithos," which means "leek stone." So, when discovered, the green color resembled the shades of the leek and other vegetables. Natural stones are rare, but the growing popularity of the stone prompted laboratory heat-treatments to expand the availability. Another treatment that is being done to achieve green-colored quartz is irradiation. This process uses colorless quartz and produces lighter shades of green. It is also less expensive than prasiolite or green amethyst. Where do they come from? Quartz is found all over the world. The variety of purple amethyst that contains the iron necessary to make the color transition to green is mostly found in Brazil. Zimbabwe is another important location for mine deposits. The stones in green amethyst pendants likely came from Brazil or Zimbabwe, but there are also mines in the United States. Arizona and along the California-Nevada border have some deposits of the lovely green gemstone. Special properties Quartz has special properties, scientific and mystical. According to some, green amethyst pendants or other pieces could be worn to bring the wearer in touch with her spiritual side. It is also supposed to bring good fortune to the wearer. As a family, quartz is supposed to enhance psychic abilities, which is why it is often used to make crystal balls and scrying stones. As for scientific properties, quartz can become magnetic-like when heated or rubbed. This property is why it is used in components for electronics. Special days for a special stone Since the purple amethyst is the birthstone for February, then couldn't the green amethyst also count as an alternative? Chemically it's the same stone, it has just been heated and the color has changed. This green gem is a great choice as a birthday gift for the female who loves to be different. A 6th wedding anniversary is another occasion where green amethyst earrings make a special gift. How to care for them? Because it is a quartz gemstone, it ranks a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes it fairly durable and hard so everyday wear is ok. Cleaning green amethyst earrings and other pieces is also simple. Soak the pieces in warm soapy water and scrub with a toothbrush. If more intensive cleaning is needed, an ultrasonic cleaner can be used. However, avoid extremely hot temperatures while cleaning. This should be avoided for all types of stones that may have been heat-treated to achieve a certain color. Wearing green amethyst earrings makes for a great conversation starter. They are also a great complement to any wardrobe. The different shades carry from summer to winter, lime to forest green. A green Amethyst ring can make you the center of attention and compliment your looks and wardrobe. To browse a collection of unique and beautiful gemstone jewelry, visit www.gemaffair.com
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