Green Stones Guide: From Emerald to Chrysocolla
When selecting a green stone for your jewelry, several crucial factors come into play. In this guide, we delve into a curated list of top green gemstones and semi-precious stones, highlighting their unique qualities and the beneficial effects they offer to those who choose to wear them.
General Characteristics of Green Crystals
The most valued attribute of a crystal is its color. Green semi-precious gemstones display a vast spectrum of shades, each with its distinct sparkle and allure. Gemologists assess color by examining hue, tone, and saturation. While green is the primary hue for these gemstones, they often feature secondary hues like yellow or blue—the primary colors that combine to create green.
Typically, a pure green shade is the most sought after and usually the most expensive. Stones that are overly dark can appear lifeless, whereas those that are too light might lack depth. The most popular choices are saturated, vibrant greens with medium-dark tones.
When selecting green gemstone jewelry, it's essential to consider the durability and hardness of the stones. For jewelry exposed to frequent wear and potential impacts, such as rings and bracelets, a hardness of at least 7 on the Mohs scale is advisable.
Additionally, availability and cost are significant factors. Natural stones can be quite expensive, so it’s wise to stay within your budget while searching for rare green stones. For instance, jadeite, the most expensive green gemstone in the world, has been known to sell for up to $3 million per carat!
Don't overlook the spiritual (metaphysical) properties of gemstones when making your purchase. Green semi-precious stones generally influence the heart chakra, balancing emotional well-being. Combining them with blue stones, which are linked to the throat chakra (communication), and yellow-green stones, associated with the solar plexus chakra (self-esteem), can enhance both your appearance and the beneficial "unseen" properties of the crystals.
At DSF Antique Jewelry, we offer an array of green semi-precious gemstone jewelry to suit all preferences. From high-clarity pieces and various shapes for special occasions to more affordable options with inclusions or opacity, we have something for everyone.
The Most Popular Green Gemstones
Emerald
Emerald undoubtedly stands out as the most renowned and iconic green gemstone. Revered by royalty for its brilliant green hue and spiritual power, the emerald, along with ruby, sapphire, and diamond, is classified as a precious gemstone.
With a hardness of 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs scale, emeralds are celebrated as symbols of truth and love, having been treasured by the goddess Venus in ancient Greece and Rome. The Incas and Egyptians also venerated emeralds, believing they represented eternal life.
Peridot
Peridot, a vibrant grass-green semi-precious stone, was first mined by ancient Egyptians on the Red Sea island of Zabargad. Today, peridot is found in volcanic lava, meteorites, and deep within the Earth's mantle.
Unlike most semi-precious stones, peridot and diamonds are brought to the surface by volcanic activity and tectonic movements. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, peridot is August's birthstone. Known for enhancing strength, courage, and endurance, it is also regarded as the stone of compassion, calming anger and fostering positivity.
Green Tourmaline
Green tourmaline is part of a diverse and colorful tourmaline family, including the rare and expensive chrome tourmaline. Major deposits of green tourmaline are found in Brazil, Namibia, Nigeria, Mozambique, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
With a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale, green tourmaline, the birthstone for October, is associated with enhanced intellectual abilities, health, happiness, and vitality, offering both calming and uplifting benefits.
Green Agate
Green agate is a translucent to opaque semi-precious gemstone with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for various types of jewelry. Available in large sizes, different cuts, and shapes at reasonable prices, green agate symbolizes abundance, wealth, love, health, and beauty. It boosts self-confidence and self-esteem, restores inner strength, and promotes emotional balance.
Malachite
Recognized for its distinctive swirls of pastel, bright, and dark green, malachite is found on the surface of caves as stalactites. Due to its low hardness, ranging from 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, malachite is often treated with a resin or wax coating for added durability. As a protective stone, malachite absorbs negative energies, guards against radiation, and cleanses the heart chakra.
Amazonite
Named after the Amazon River, although not found in that region, amazonite is sourced from Brazil, Colorado, Virginia, Australia, and Madagascar. With a hardness of 6 - 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and March's birthstone, amazonite is associated with prosperity, good fortune, and success. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and supports both the heart and throat chakras.
Green Aventurine
Aventurine, a jade-like opaque green quartz with a lustrous sheen, is known as the "stone of good fortune." With a hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale and August's birthstone, green aventurine attracts prosperity and wealth. It is beneficial for gamblers and situations requiring universal support, aiding in romance attraction and healing old emotional wounds.
Jade
Known for its deep green color, jade has been prized since ancient times by the Mayans and Aztecs. With a hardness of 6 - 7 on the Mohs scale, jade remains a popular choice in jewelry and sculptures, symbolizing power and status. In traditional Chinese medicine, jade is believed to bring health and balance.
It is an alternative birthstone for March and is used to attract good luck and success while protecting against negative energies and fostering peace and emotional equilibrium.
A Touch Of Green Elegance
Green stones, whether precious or semi-precious, add a touch of elegance and charm to any jewelry piece. From the classic emerald and vibrant peridot to the lucky aventurine and iconic jade, each stone offers unique characteristics.
Selecting the right gemstone not only reflects personal style but also enhances the spiritual and emotional aspects you seek.
Explore our exquisite collection of green gemstone jewelry at DSF Antique Jewelry and discover the perfect piece that resonates with your style and values. Shop now to find timeless elegance and benefit from the unique properties of these beautiful stones.
