A to Z of Gemstones - P is for Prehnite

Prehnite is a translucent to transparent gem-quality hydrated calcium aluminum silicate. The first mineral to be named after an individual, Prehnite was first discovered in 1788 in the Karoo dolerites of Cradock, South Africa. Prehnite was later named after its discoverer, Colonel Hendrik von Prehn (1733-1785), a Dutch mineralogist and an early governor of the Cape of Good Hope colony.

Until recently prehnite was a rare collector's gemstone but new deposits have now made it more readily available. In China prehnite is sometimes referred to as 'grape jade' owing to its typical nodule formations which often resemble a bunch of grapes.

 Its color is usually yellow-green to apple-green,with a soft apple green considered the most desirous. It can also occur in rarer colors including yellow, orange and blue, with the rare orange colour having been discovered in South Africa as recently as 2000.

Some of the most important deposits of Prehnite come from South Africa, Australia, Canada and China with deposits also being found in Namibia, Germany, Scotland, France and the United States.

Above is a picture of a Prehnite necklace that I made that has since been sold. Below some prehnite beads have been used for my popular V style earrings.

Below are some more examples of Prehnite jewellery from members of the Jewelry on Etsy team.

Prehnite Wire Wrapped Dangle Earrings by Lees Earring Boutique

 Prehnite Wire Wrapped Necklace by Little Apple NY

Prehnite Earrings by Gemstones on My Mind