Comparison · Silicate Minerals vs Quartz Family
Prasiolite vs Clear Quartz
Prasiolite and Clear Quartz are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Prasiolite and Clear Quartz
- Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Prasiolite is trigonal, Clear Quartz is hexagonal.
Prasiolite vs Clear Quartz properties
| Property | Prasiolite | Clear Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Silicate Minerals | Quartz Family |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 7 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.65 | 2.65 |
| Crystal system | trigonal | hexagonal |
| Common colors | Green, Pale green, Yellowish green | Colorless, White |
| Rarity | uncommon | common |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$300+ | $5–$200+ |
Which is more valuable?
Prasiolite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $60 against $25 for Clear Quartz, and premium Prasiolite can reach $300 or more.
About Prasiolite
Prasiolite is a pale leek-green variety of quartz, transparent and glassy with the same hardness and durability as other quartz. Most prasiolite on the market is heat-treated amethyst, since naturally green quartz is uncommon.
About Clear Quartz
Clear quartz, also known as rock crystal, is the purest form of quartz. It's been used for jewelry, carvings, and spiritual purposes throughout history.
Prasiolite vs Clear Quartz FAQ
Is Prasiolite the same as Clear Quartz?
No. Prasiolite is a silicate mineral while Clear Quartz is a quartz family. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Prasiolite from Clear Quartz?
Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Well-formed crystals give it away: Prasiolite is trigonal, Clear Quartz is hexagonal.
Which is harder, Prasiolite or Clear Quartz?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.
Which is more valuable, Prasiolite or Clear Quartz?
Prasiolite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $60 against $25 for Clear Quartz, and premium Prasiolite can reach $300 or more.
