Prehnite is a pale green to yellow-green calcium aluminum silicate mineral, rated 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, with a pearly, waxy or glassy lustre. It was named in 1788 after Colonel Hendrik von Prehn, who brought it to Europe from the Cape of Good Hope. It is found in South Africa, China, Australia, Scotland and the USA, and is a popular collector and jewellery stone.
The Physical Properties of Prehnite
Prehnite belongs to the Phyllosilicate sub-class of minerals - a calcium aluminum silicate hydroxide with an orthorhombic crystal system that usually occurs in stalactitic, granular, or botryoidal habits. However, it can sometimes form tabular, pyramidal, and colourful crystals. Prehnite shows a unique mother-of-pearl (pearlescent) effect, and even though it's a common mineral, the gem variety is considered rare. It exhibits 6-6.5 hardness on the Mohs scale, meaning that it is a tough gem suitable for high-quality jewelry. Another attractive characteristic is its ability to glow in the sunlight and exhibit a moonstone (cat's eye) effect due to its radial-fibrous structure.
The History of Prehnite
Prehnite was named in 1788 by the geologist Abraham Gottlob Werner, in honour of Hendrik von Prehn (a Dutch colonel) who found the mineral in 1774 at the Cape of Good Hope. Von Prehn was governor of the Cape, a mineral collector and a naturalist. It is one of the first minerals to be named after a historical person.
The Lore of Prehnite
Stories from South Africa say shamans turned to prehnite when they had to make decisions for their tribe. In Australia, Aboriginal tradition tells of the stone soaking up the sun's light and giving off warmth at night to ward off night creatures. Some shamanistic traditions regard prehnite as a sacred stone that moves between the invisible and visible planes. It has also been linked with dream recall: people keep a piece by the bed and set an intention to remember their dreams. These are traditions and stories, not claims about what the stone does.
The Metaphysical Properties of Prehnite
In crystal lore, prehnite is a stone of inner knowledge and unconditional love. It is a symbol of calm, of recollection and of keeping your priorities straight.
Crystal writers also link prehnite with letting go of possessions and with personal growth, intuition and spiritual alignment. People often choose it as a reminder to act from the heart and in line with their own goals. Browse more tumbled stones and bead strands for shop shelves.
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Prehnite sells well as pale green specimens, tumbles and beads; see our prehnite collection.
Stonebridge Imports is a Canadian crystal wholesaler with no minimum order, shipping from Kitchener, Ontario. Open a wholesale account.
