Collection: Prehnite

Prehnite is a stone that belongs to the silicate group, more precisely phyllosilicates. It is appreciated as much for its aesthetic properties in jewelry as for its supposed virtues in lithotherapy.

🧪 Mineralogical characteristics

• Chemical formula : Ca₂Al(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂

• Crystal system : orthorhombic

• Hardness (Mohs scale) : 6 to 6.5

• Color : pale green (most common), but also white, yellow, gray or colorless

• Transparency : translucent to almost transparent

• Luster : Vitreous to pearly

It was discovered in the 18th century in South Africa and was named in honor of the Dutch Colonel Hendrik von Prehn , who was one of the first collectors of this stone.

🌍 Deposits

The most well-known deposits are found in:

• South Africa

• Australia

• China

• UNITED STATES

• France (Brittany, in particular)

• Mali (highly sought-after intense green variety)

💎 Uses

• Jewelry : it is cut into cabochons or pearls for necklaces, bracelets, pendants.

• Collection : Crystallized specimens are sought after by mineral collectors.

• Lithotherapy :

  • Stone said to be of protection and serenity .

  • It would promote meditation , mental clarity and help organize one's thoughts .

  • It is also associated with the heart chakra , helping to release repressed emotions and strengthen emotional bonds.

🧼 Maintenance

As it is relatively hard, prehnite is easy to clean:

• Wash with warm water and mild soap.

• Avoid harsh chemicals.

• In lithotherapy: it can be “purified” with salt water and “recharged” with lunar light (spiritual tradition).