Prehnite Gems

Many minerals have been named after individuals,Prehnite is usually cut as cabochons or carved.
including a number of gemstones. The gemstonesSpecimens displaying the cat's-eye effect are
include Hiddenite (W.E. Hidden), Kunzite (Georgeknown but rare. Recently some green translucent
Frederic Kunz), Morganite (J.P. Morgan) and Zoisiteto transparent material has been faceted,
(Sigmund Zois).producing a new look for prehnite that has
But there is one gemstone that has the distinctionbecome popular for jewelry.
of being the very first mineral ever named afterPrehnite can often by found in large sizes,
an individual. The gemstone Prehnite was namedsometimes as large as 100 carats. It is a relatively
for its discoverer, Colonel Hendrik von Prehninexpensive gem, though higher quality faceted
(1733-1785), a Dutch mineralogist and an earlymaterial may sell for prices approximately the
governor of the Cape of Good Hope colony.same as amethyst or citrine. Generally the
Prehnite was also the very first mineral to befaceted material is found only in smaller sizes.
named and described from South Africa, longUntil recently, prehnite was a rare gemstone, but
before South Africa became an important sourcenew deposits have made it more available. While
for precious gems.you are unlikely to find it in your local jewelry
Prehnite is a hydrated calcium aluminum silicatestore, gemstone dealers often have some supply.
that occurs in a soft yellow-green to apple-greenDeposits are found in South Africa, Australia,
color. Many specimens have an intriguing luminousChina, Scotland and the United States.
quality. It has a vitreous to mother-of-pearl luster.Prehnite is said to encourages composure,
Prehnite is a medium-hard gem with a rating of 6forgiveness and acceptance and is excellent for
to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Most prehnite ismeditation. Some people also believe that prehnite
translucent but transparent specimens arehelps sufferers from claustrophobia.
sometimes found.