Gemstone Glossary

Prehnite

With its bright, almost luminescent green coloring Prehnite is an attractive mineral that can have a very good luster. It forms in cavities in basaltic rocks. Prehnite is a hydrous, calcium-aluminum-silicate mineral, which is commonly found in cavities and "pillows" and along fractures of basalt and diabase rock. It can be facetted or carved into ornaments. Prehnite was the first mineral to be named after a person, the Dutch minerologist Colonel Hendrik von Prehn (1733-1785), who discovered the mineral in Jurassic (Karoo) dolerite in the Cradock district of the Eastern Cape Province in the early 18th Century. Prehnite was therefore the first type-locality species discovered in South Africa.


Usually a pale green to a grass green, Prehnite can also be gray, white or colorless. Some rare specimens even resemble jade.

Chemically, Prehnite is calcium aluminum silicate hydroxide: Ca2 Al2 Si3 O10(OH)2. It has a Hardness of 6 - 6.5 and a Specific Gravity of approximately 2.9+ (average). It is found in South Africa, India, Germany, France, New Zealand, Switzerland, Scotland and USA (New Jersey, Connecticut, Virginia, Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, and Michigan). Datolite, and Zeolite are often found in many world-wide deposits that also contain Prehnite.

Spiritually, it is believed that Prehnite can enhance one's protective field, dreaming and remembrance; bring peace and calm; and help build the immune system. It is useful for anemia and blood disorders. Its color and unusual touch generate serenity and tranquility, ideal for stress release.

Prehnite is much in demand amongst Channellers and Shaman’s who know it as the Prediction Stone. In healing, Prehnite has been used to reduce high blood pressure and control hypertension.