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- 1. Prehnite
- 2. The History and Meaning of Prehnite
- 3. Physical Properties and Chemical Properties of Prehnite
- 4. Deposits of Prehnite
- 5. Healing Properties of Sodalite
- 6. Metaphysical Properties of Prehnite
- 7. Prehnite for sale by Kenkengems
Prehnite
This is the stone of many names and many shades of green. The fascinating gem has earned tremendous popularity with those who communicate with spirits and other worlds. Fashionistas appreciate it for gentle colors and beautiful glowing luster. This post is about prehnite, a mineral equal parts scintillating and versatile when it comes to its healing and magical properties.
The History and Meaning of Prehnite
Prehnite was first found in South Africa. The locals believed that the stone had exceptional magical properties. Therefore, owning this gem was the prerogative of tribal shamans.
Throughout its history, the mineral had many names - adelite, Karoo stone, chiltonite, coupholite, and others. Some of the names suggest that prehnite was often mistaken for other minerals. It was often called Cape emerald in Africa as well as Cape chrysolite, chrysolite of sage, and grape jade in Asian countries.
Prehnite owes its name to the Danish navigator Hendrik van Prehn, who served as governor of one of the South African regions in the 18th century. Fond of mineralogy, Prehn found a beautiful specimen of green mineral during his trip to Cape of Good Hope and brought it to Europe. Interestingly, prehnite was the first mineral named after its discoverer.
Until recently, prehnite has not been often used in jewelry. Instead, it could be seen in frescoes due to its ability to glow in the sun. In the 1970s, deposits of high-quality prehnite were discovered in Australia. Since then, transparent specimens of clear green and golden colors have been valued as gems.
Physical Properties and Chemical Properties of Prehnite
Prehnite belongs to the class of aluminosilicates. It is a medium-hard mineral featuring 6.0 - 6.5 on the Mohs scale. The stone rarely has a form of crystals. Most often, its nuggets are found in the form of grape-shaped clusters or balls. Hence it is often called grape jade.
The color of the mineral ranges from milky white to dull green. It is available as gray, yellow, green-yellow, and golden but the most valuable specimens are of green color. The gem picks its color from iron admixtures. Some stones have shimmering inclusions, which, after cutting en cabochon, provide the optical effect of chatoyancy, that is, a cat's eye. Quite often, prehnite is colored unevenly and is rarely completely clear. Some specimens may feature intergrowths of epidote in the form of dots, smears, and patches of dark green, almost black, colors. Prehnite with epidote has a high decorative value.
Prehnite mined in Australia as if glows from the inside. For this property, it is sometimes compared to a sunstone and dubbed Sun Jade. After cutting and polishing, prehnite takes on a beautiful pearlescent or glassy sheen.
Many specimens of prehnite are refined to improve their initial properties. Treatment with gamma radiation gives the mineral a soft green hue and the effect of opalescence.
If you choose prehnite for your jewelry, you must take good care of it as it easily acquires scratches. It should also be kept away from acids, high temperatures, and flame. The mineral melts when being exposed to open fire.
Deposits of Prehnite
The first known prehnite deposit was discovered at the Cape of Good Hope. The heyday of the mineral’s popularity happened in the middle of the 18th century when it was recognized as a gem. Now the stone is mined in such countries as Southern Africa, the USA, Scotland, China, Austria, France, Germany, etc.
Deposits in Australia are considered especially large. Stones queried there boast the highest quality. The price of prehnite from these mines can reach up to $200 per carat. High-quality stones provide striking colors, transparency, and perfect cuts. Along with that, you can find plenty of affordable specimens that cost no more than a couple of dozen dollars per carat.
Healing Properties of Prehnite
Among the most noteworthy healing properties of prehnite is its ability to strengthen immunity and fight anemia. The stone has a positive effect on the Heart Chakra as its green color matches the color of the chakra. A normally functioning heart chakra supports the operation of three lower chakras, as well affects the work of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.
Lithotherapists recommend wearing prehnite jewelry if you suffer from gout. To prevent kidney diseases, it is best to carry the mineral in a pocket in the lower back area.
Prehnite pendants, if you wear them regularly, will help avoid various diseases of the chest and spine. Prehnite bracelets are an effective remedy for frostbite. Earrings and pendants featuring the mineral strengthen memory, improve concentration, and increase productivity.
Metaphysical Properties of Prehnite
Prehnite is the epitome of calmness, peace, and harmony. This mineral is very popular with practicing sorcerers and mediums as it helps predict the future, establish contacts with other worlds, as well as travel to the future and the past. Besides that, the stone will come in handy for everyone who wants to comprehend magic, harmoniously coexist with the Universe, enhance their willpower, and gain more self-confidence.
In medieval Europe, it was believed that prehnite patronized women. Allegedly, it helped ladies become more attractive in the eyes of the opposite sex. If you’ve been searching for your other half, it’s worth getting prehnite jewelry since it reveals people who are compatible with your personality.
If you often meditate, frequently travel, or cannot imagine your life without outdoor recreation, prehnite is just the right thing. It will nourish your energy and let you react quickly in the event of an emergency.
Prehnite for sale by Kenkengems
At KenKenGems, we take pride in our prehnite collection. The mineral isn’t in the top ten of the most widespread gems and its means you can stand out in the crowd with a unique jewel. We supply prehnite in the form of beads, strands, individual gems, pendants, and loose stones. When it comes to shapes, you can get chestnuts, nuggets, pearls, ovals, buttons, coins, just to name a few. Prehnite delivered by KenKenGems will become a high-quality and fascinating highlight of your hand-crafted jewelry.
