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Prehnite

A species of Minerals, Also known as Aedelite, Adilite, Chrysolite, Calc-Silicate Minerals

An inosilicate of calcium and aluminum, prehnite forms crystals of a pearly green or yellow luster. Particularly beautiful specimens are used to carve pendants or rings. Discovered in the Dutch colony of South Africa, it is named for the military commander Hendrik von Prehn.

Hardness:

6 - 6.5

Density:

2.9 g/cm³

General Info About Prehnite

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Physical Properties of Prehnite

Luster

Pearly, Vitreous

Diaphaneity

Translucent

Colors

Colourless, gray, yellow, yellow-green or white

Magnetism

Non-magnetic

Tenacity

Brittle

Cleavage

Good

Fracture

Uneven

Streak

White

Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Hardness

6 - 6.5 , Hard

Density

2.9 g/cm³, Normal Weight

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Chemical Properties of Prehnite

Chemical Classification

Silicates

Formula

Ca₂Al₂Si₃O₁₀(OH)₂

Elements listed

Al, Ca, H, O, Si

Common Impurities

Ti, Fe, Mg, Na, K, H₂O

Optical Properties of Prehnite

Refractive Index

1.611-1.673

Birefringence

0.021-0.039

Pleochroism

None

Optical Character

Biaxial positive

Discover the Value of Prehnite

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Rarity

Uncommon

Collection Recommendation

4.2 out of 5

Popularity

3.5

Aesthetic

4.3

Rarity

4.0

Sci-Cultural Value

3.9

The Market Price of Prehnite

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Rough/Tumbled Price

Smaller Than Hand (0-1.5in)

$3 - $20

Close Hand (1.5-3in)

$20 - $50

Equal To Hand (3-6in)

$50 - $80

Bigger Than Hand (>6in)

$80

Cluster/Geode Price

Smaller or Equal To Hand (<3in)

$8 - $60

Equal To Hand (3-6in)

$60 - $120

Bigger Than Hand (>6in)

$120

Gemstone Price

Price

$1 ~ $10 /ct

How to Care for Prehnite?

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Durability

Nondurable

Scratch resistance

Poor

Toughness of Prehnite

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

The fair toughness of prehnite is attributed to its tendency to contain natural inclusions and potential cleavage, making it more prone to cracking or chipping upon impact.

Stability of Prehnite

Sensitive

Stable

Prehnite is generally resilient under most conditions encountered during daily use, though caution should be taken with heat and chemicals. Its ability to resist water, sunlight, and dryness contributes to its overall durability.

More Care Tips of Prehnite

Real vs Fake Prehnite

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4 Ways to Tell if prehnite is Real

Fake Alert Level:

Caution Needed

Prehnite is sometimes imitated using materials such as Dyed Quartzite, Glass, and plastic, especially in bead or jewelry purchases. It is wise to buy from reputable retailers and, if feasible, request a certificate from a gem testing laboratory. Here are some handy tips to help you initially discern the authenticity of prehnite.

More Details About Real vs Fake

Real

Fake

How to identify it?

Color Luster Transparency

Characteristics of Prehnite

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Cultural Significance of Prehnite

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Uses of Prehnite

Prehnite has no industrial uses. In geology, it is an indicator mineral of the prehnite-pumpellyite metamorphic facies. Other than that, its value is purely ornamental. Historically, it was considered a rare collectors' mineral, but it became less sought-after after discovering new deposits. Prehnite specimens in rare colors are still attractive and have more value.

Distribution of Prehnite

Extensive deposits of gem-quality prehnite occur in the basalt tableland surrounding Wave Hill Station in the central Northern Territory, of Australia.

Mineralogy and Petrology of Prehnite

Though not a zeolite, prehnite is found associated with minerals such as datolite, calcite, apophyllite, stilbite, laumontite, and heulandite in veins and cavities of basaltic rocks, sometimes in granites, syenites, or gneisses. It is an indicator mineral of the prehnite-pumpellyite metamorphic facies.

Etymology of Prehnite

It was first described in 1788 for an occurrence in the Karoo dolerites of Cradock, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. It was named for Colonel Hendrik Von Prehn (1733–1785), commander of the military forces of the Dutch colony at the Cape of Good Hope from 1768 to 1780.

Healing Properties of Prehnite

Prehnite may be used on the Heart and Solar Plexus chakras to connect your heart and your will. This practice is believed to help a person achieve the things they want most in their life. It is said to bring peace and joy wherever it is used. It may have enhance psychic abilities when used during meditation.

Chakras

Solar Plexus, Heart