Other Green Gemstones
Green Amethyst (Prasiolite) is frequently confused with a number of other, unrelated green, jewelry-grade gemstones:
Peridot
This attractive lime-green gemstone is a form of the mineral Olivine.
A slightly softer mineral than Quartz, peridot is mined throughout
the world, with the best specimens coming from Myanmar, Egypt
and Pakistan. Peridot is also found in the
state of Arizona, where it is abundant but of lesser quality.
Peridot is more yellow in color than green amethyst.
Peridot has been a popular jewel for thousands of years and is said to have been Cleopatra's favorite gem stone. In metaphysics, it is said to heal the emotions and wounded self-esteem and ward off jealosy. Crystal healers believe it helps strengthen the lungs, lymph system, spleen, intestines and eyes. It is also the birthstone for those born in August, associated with the Astrological sign of Leo.
Green Tourmaline
Tourmaline is found in a veritible rainbow of colors, including various shades
of green, the favorite being a rich, deep, bottle green hue. Tourmaline
is slightly harder than Quartz and is said to protect the wearer
from danger.
Green Tourmaline is also known as Verdalite. Some varieties are referred to as chrome tourmaline or "Brazilian Tourmaline".
Green tourmaline jewelry (offsite - opens in a new window)
Tsavorite
When most people think of garnets, they think of a red stone. However tsavorite,
a member of the Garnet family, is a brilliant shade of green! Tsavorite
is a relatively "new" gemstone, only discovered in the late 1960's
near Tsavo National Park in Africa, from which it gets its name.
Tsavorite can also be found in Kenya. Colors range from light green
to blue-green to deep forest green. It is slightly harder than
Quartz, and has the brilliant sparkle typical of stones in the
Garnet family.
Since very few tsavorites are large stones, it is most often used as an accent gem. A related stone, the demantoid garnet, is a highly-luminous gemstone which is also green.
Tsavorite jewelry (offsite - opens in a new window)
Chrome Diopside
Chrome
diopside is a beautiful, intensely-colored green gem found primarily
in Russia (Siberia). Chrome diopside rings are beautiful but treat
them with care - being a relatively soft gem, it is prone to damage
and scratches easily! Diopside is often used as an accent stone,
and can also be quite striking when fashioned into earrings, necklaces
or pendants.
Emerald
Like the Aquamarine, the popular emerald is a form of the mineral
Beryl. It is considered a precious gemstone, and is the birthstone
for those born in May or under the sign of Taurus.
Green Diamonds
GREEN diamonds? Yes, there is such a thing! True green diamonds are very rare. More common are the olive diamonds (mixed shades of green, yellow and black) found in Africa.
Since natural green diamonds cost a small fortune, green diamond jewelry generally uses diamonds which have attained their color through color enhancement processing. <