Prehnite
Prehnite – a natural stone
Prehnite belongs to the group of silicates and is a mineral found only in a few areas around the world. The mineral prehnite is sometimes referred to as prenite or frenite. It can be found, among others, in Africa, Australia, China, the USA, Canada, Namibia, or India. It mainly forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks, as well as in fissures or veins in sedimentary rocks. It was first discovered in 1783 at the Cape of Good Hope and brought to Europe by Hendrik von Prehn. It is from his name that the name of this mineral originates. Prehnite stones are formed as a result of low-temperature hydrothermal processes in the final stage of rodingitization. It is a relatively soft stone, as its hardness on the Mohs scale is 6-6.5, and its density is 2.8–2.9 g/cm³. Among the characteristic features of prehnite are its tabular crystals, vitreous luster, and occurrence in the form of compact, stalactitic, granular, and spherical aggregates. Prehnite stone has an uneven fracture and very good cleavage.
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Prehnite – color, price
Prehnite stones are most commonly found in colors such as shades of green, yellow, white, gray, colorless, or brown. Among the most prized specimens by jewelers are those in grayish-blue color. Some prehnite stones exhibit a cat’s eye effect, which is a luminous stripe appearing on the stone resembling a cat’s pupil. Sometimes prehnite stones contain inclusions of iron or other minerals, e.g., inclusions of black tourmaline. Due to its color, prehnite stone is sometimes mistaken for peridot, chrysoprase, jadeite, or aragonite. Prehnite stone can have transparency ranging from transparent to semi-transparent.
Prehnite – application
Due to its rare occurrence, prehnite is a highly valued collector’s stone. It is also used as an ornamental stone for the production of sculptures, vases, or figurines. Because of its exceptional beauty, prehnite is most commonly used as a jewelry stone. Natural prehnite is usually cut into cabochons because this cut best highlights the characteristic silky luster of this mineral. Prehnite in jewelry is worth combining with other jewelry stones that complement the delicate color of this mineral, such as red coral or black onyx. In our store, you will find faceted prehnite as well as cabochons of this mineral with which you can create unique earrings, bracelets, or necklaces.