What is Green Amethyst? Is it as Valuable as Purple Amethyst?

Amethyst is, by definition, purple quartz. When the purple-colored quartz is heated , it is turned green. Sticklers for detail like to refer to this gemstone as "greened amethyst." This article will use "green amethyst" to refer to any quartz material that has changed to a green color. Like it or not, the term is widely used.

The Various Terms for Green Amethyst

The heating of quartz with the goal of changing it to green is unpredictable and the color results vary depending on the physical properties of the quartz. The location of the source of the quartz seems to have a bearing on the color outcome. Prasiolite, another name for green quartz, originally referred to heated quartz from a special location in Brazil. Another location in Arizona produces rough that changes to green successfuly.

Some green colored quartz is natural (heated by nature). One source of natural green quartz is an area that borders Nevada and California.

"Green amethyst" and "greened amethyst" and "prasiolite" have been used rather indiscriminately to refer to green quartz that has been heated or irradiated in order to get the color. The terms are also used indiscriminately whether the green is a result of naturally occurring processes or whether the green is a result of treatments applied by man.

Should I Stop Saying "Green Amethyst?"

Since a Yahoo search for "green amethyst" returns 16,800,000 results, I would say the term is here to stay. The best approach now is education.

Gemologists are trained to be exacting in their terminology and they will probably still bristle at the term "green amethyst." Their concerns are due to the possibility of an intentional misrepresentation of what is being sold. A lot of the material that is now called green amethyst was never purple to begin with but was clear quartz that was treated to change it to green. Most will say that there is no excuse for referring to any gemstone by using this misnomer.

Does it really matter what you call it, as long as you like the gemstone and you are educated about it? Ask yourself if the seller is trying to deceive you by calling the stone "green amethyst?"

Reputable gem and jewelry dealers will openly discuss the origins and treatments of gemstones they sell, rather than using a misleading term only to increase perceived value. Some sellers may not know the origin of these quartz gemstones. The seller may not be trying to mislead you. If the gemstone was sold to him as green amethyst, he may not know that green amethyst is a misnomer. A little conversation will go a long way in finding out the intent of the seller.

What about those poor, unsuspecting buyers who think they are getting a rare and valuable gemstone. They are, in reality, getting a heated-treated quartz. Can you stop a giant snowball once it is headed down a hill? Since the term is commonly used, no amount of effort will stop it now--short of legislation prohibiting its use.

What Is the Value of "Green Amethyst?"

The price range of green amethyst is very unpredictable since some very inexpensive irradiated green quartz gemstones are available as well as some dyed green quartz.

Some of the considerations that affect the value of gemstones include rarity, clarity, cut, and whether the gemstone is natural or imitation or lab grown, and how it is set. If you want green amethyst, shop around and compare prices. You will probably find the price of green amethyst to be a little less than, or equal to, a comparable piece with the purple-colored gemstone.

The Federal Trade Commission says: "Jewelers should tell you whether the gemstone you're considering has been treated when: the treatment is not permanent; the treated stone requires special care; or the treatment significantly affects the value of the gemstone." Some green amethyst, for example, may change color if left exposed to sunlight for extended periods.

If you are being intentionally misled, you may want to take your business elsewhere. With the help of this article, I hope you can make a more informed purchase.

The value of jewelry to you is quite different than the value it might appraise for. This may be especially true of unusual, one-of-a-kind handmade pieces or unusually cut gemstones or gemstones with an especially beautiful color.

If you find a piece you love and if you know what you are getting and how to care for it, you may not care what the seller calls it. The price you are willing to pay is up to you.

Sources:

No author given. Research Lab Report. Green Quartz. Gemmological Association of All Japan Co

No author given. Facts for Consumers. All That Glitters...How to Buy Jewelry. Federal Trade Commission