Gemstones are often named after their components and composition, but with prehnite, it’s a different story altogether. One of the first minerals to be named after a historical person, prehnite is one of the most sought-after semi-precious gemstones. Named after Dutch Colonel Hendrik Von Prehn, governor of Good Hope during the 1700s, prehnite is also the first mineral hailing from South Africa.

Available in gray, bottle green, yellow, white, and sometimes colorless, it is brittle with a pearly and vitreous luster. Naturally occurring as an attractive gemstone, prehnite is used for ornamental purposes and jewelry. Also known as the Stone of Prophecy, prehnite bolsters prophetic abilities and is also a good stone to use when working with tarot or crystal balls. Prehnite is also used to revitalize one’s personal healing environment. It is believed to "heal the healer."

There are several other uses, metaphysical properties, and healing properties of prehnite. If you are looking to purchase this stunning and eye-catching gemstone but aren’t quite sure about what exactly it is, read on to know everything about prehnite stone before you purchase one. Our comprehensive guide covers all the information you need to learn about this gemstone.

What is prehnite?

Chemically classified as an inosilicate of calcium and aluminum, prehnite goes by the chemical formula Ca₂Al(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂. Although it is frequently found together with laumontite, calcite, stilbite, datolite, and so on, prehnite is yet not classified as a zeolite. The gem has an uneven fracture with a hardness of 6-6.5 Mohs, thus very brittle. It is typically translucent, but with some special treatment, prehnite can be occasionally transparent as well. The luster may range from vitreous to pearly and often has a look like frosted glass.

Prehnite gemstone also goes by several nicknames. Due to its visual resemblance to emeralds and also referring to the location where the gemstone was first discovered, prehnite is also called “cape emerald.” Due to its habit of cluster formation that resembles a bunch of pale green grapes, "grape jade" is another nickname that is used in China. It is also known as the “prediction stone.”

Where is prehnite found?

First identified in South Africa by Von Prehn, prehnite was considered very rare, with this being the only known location until then. Since then, more deposits have been found, and today, most of the gem-quality prehnite hails from Australia. Scotland, Canada, China, Germany, India, and the United States are also other known sources of prehnite gemstone.

The Three C’s of Prehnite:

Color: One of the most interesting things about prehnite  is that it is found in a wide spectrum of colors, and there is actually quite a bit of variation. Although prehnite typically occurs in green, you can also find specimens that are pink, blue, white, and even colorless. A rare specimen extracted in South Africa in 2000 displayed an orange color variation as well. Prehnite’s hue may be warm or cool, but, in most cases, it is fairly pale and milky. Sometimes the stone also features dark inclusions.

So, which color of prehnite is the best? Well, that is totally up to an individual’s interests. While some prefer the bluish-green tone, others also like the yellow variation. All colors of prehnite are equal in terms of quality. So, this gemstone can be purchased based on your preference (or the preference of your client). Also, one needs to keep in mind that if you’re looking to buy one of the rarer colors, you will also have to pay a lot more.

Clarity: Due to the presence of inclusions , a vast majority of prehnite specimens naturally occur milky in appearance and hence aren’t fully transparent. Although these translucent and included specimens comprise the vast majority, they are still considered desirable. Likewise, if you come across one of those rarer transparent pieces that offer some glassy clarity, you can also expect a higher price tag.

Cut: Often sold tumbled and polished , surprisingly prehnite gemstones are faceted quite often. At times, a particular cut of the stone can also assist in bringing out prehnite’s clarity. So, if you’re buying one of the more transparent specimens, it could probably be due to this. It is often advised that one should pick the cut of the stone based on other aesthetic considerations as, in most cases, prehnite will be murky to look at.

How to take care of prehnite?

The process of cleaning and maintaining prehnite depends largely on the specimen.  The procedure to clean a raw prehnite gemstone and a polished/faceted specimen differ. The maintenance of a raw prehnite is a tad bit more challenging than the faceted one. For cleaning prehnite jewelry that is faceted or polished, the usual procedure of using a soft brush and scrubbing gently with a mild detergent can be followed. Similar to any other gemstone, do not use any harsh chemicals and ensure to rinse thoroughly and clean the soapy residue.

When it comes to raw prehnite, a high-pressure water jet can do a good job. Never use acid to clean prehnite, as doing so will actually destroy the luster that you are trying to bring out. Longer durations of exposure to open-air can also lead to a gradual fading of color. Wearing prehnite also requires a little extra care. It is advised not to wear this gemstone if you are going to be physically active as it can easily be scratched or fragmented when encountered with an accident. As we know, prehnite is very brittle and softer than many other gemstones and metals; so, you may want to take extra care when you store it. Prefer storing it in its own separate container, which can be a lined box or a soft pouch.

Prehnite meaning and chakra connection:

Its variation of hues  gets prehnite to be readily associated with the heart chakra as well as the solar plexus chakra, which is the power chakra. An excellent stone for emotional grounding, balancing, and stability, prehnite also makes a good stone for promoting self-love. Like some other green stones (such as peridot), prehnite is also linked to prophecy in metaphysical circles.

Prehnite uses and healing properties:

• Although there are no noteworthy industrial uses for prehnite, it is widely used in gemstone jewelry, including pendants, bracelets, earrings, brooches, rings, necklaces, and carved into figurines.
• Prehnite helps in the growth of hair, teeth, nails, and the healing of bones.
• It stimulates the metabolism of fat and spurs the discharge of toxins stored in it.
• The gemstone also helps in healing the circulatory system.
• Toxins and wastes are cleared from the body with the help of prehnite.
• Prehnite also facilitates the diagnosis of various diseases.
• It is believed that the bladder, kidneys, chest, thymus gland, shoulders, and lungs can all be healed with the help of prehnite.

Prehnite metaphysical properties:

• Prehnite encourages compassion, forgiveness, acceptance, and emotional release. It facilitates clarity of the heart and mind, helps uplift the spirit, and helps remain true to self.
• Prehnite aids in connecting with higher realms and enhances one’s visualization.
• It fosters a strong sense of trust in Universal principles.
• Feelings of unrest during times of constant change can be coped with, with the help of prehnite.
• It opens your alertness and allows you to see the good in all things.
• To discharge constant identification with past wounds, a gentle and nurturing stone-like prehnite does the trick.
• It aids excessive anger or nervous energy and simultaneously encourages a sense of peace and calm.
• It helps in renewing one’s strength and the flow of vital energy in the body.
• Prehnite stone is considered lucky for anyone in the health profession.

Prehnite birthstone:

Although prehnite is not traditionally a birthstone, it is generally affiliated with the zodiac sign of Libra or for the ones born between 23^rd September and 22^nd October.

Where should you buy prehnite gemstones?

If you’re looking to purchase natural prehnites, why not opt for the best from the best? At GemsforJewels, we offer prehnite gemstones of the highest quality. These gemstones can be bought as strands as well as cabochons. We also boast a range of different shapes to pick from, including pear, tyre, tumble, round, and many more.

Although it may lack the clarity and sparkle of a diamond, prehnite does make up for that with its lovely milky green color and translucency. It captures the light beautifully, especially when it is tumbled and polished into cabochons. In its raw form, it is also particularly breathtaking. These gemstones are worth having, so don’t pass the opportunity of adding a stunning piece of prehnite jewelry to your collection!

*Disclaimer: Any of the claims related to the healing benefits, uses, and metaphysical properties of this or any other gemstone are not guaranteed or validated by this Gemstone Guide. All the information provided in this guide should in no way be used as a substitute or alternative for medical advice.*