Prehnite: Significance, Origins and Benefits

Prehnite, a natural stone shrouded in softness and mystery, elegantly invites itself into the world of DIY jewelry design. Often overlooked, it reveals subtle nuances ranging from pale green to yellow-green, giving handmade jewelry a touch of refinement and freshness.

With its subtle beauty and soothing properties, this gemstone is an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Let its natural serenity guide you and create unique pieces using our selection of prehnitebeads and jewelry components. Get inspired by our natural stone jewelry tutorials!

Where does the name Prehnite come from?

The origin of the name prehnite comes from the tribute paid to the Dutch commander Hendrik Von Prehn, who discovered this stone at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa in the 18th century. The name was given by German mineralogist Abraham Gottlob Werner in 1783.
In fact, this fine stone had already been discovered a few years earlier byFrench astronomer Alexis-Marie de Rochon. It was the French mineralogist Balthazar Georges Sage who first described it, calling it"Chrysolite du Cap". Today, this name is completely banned.

Stories about Prehnite

This gem, prized for its beauty and energetic properties, has survived the centuries. However, its history is poorly documented, so we know very little about this natural stone.

The Maorisof New Zealand used it as an ornamental stone, but also in amulets. They believed in its protective powers and its ability to strengthen the bond with nature.
The Aboriginesof Australia believed that this green stone had the gift of absorbing and releasing the sun's heat. They used it to keep warm. They also believed it could protect them from nocturnal monsters.
The Shamans of South Africa used it to make the right decisions to guide their people.

What color is prehnite?

Prehnite fascinates with its palette of colors, mainly soft shades of green, sometimes with touches of yellow or blue. Its green color, reminiscent of the freshness of spring's first leaves, evokes rebirth and renewal. It also contains epidote inclusions, which form small black streaks.
It is translucent to semi-transparent, giving it an inner light that makes each stone unique.

Because of its color, it is often confused with Chrysoprase or Jade. Hence its other names of "Australian Yellow Jade" or "Grape Jade".

What are Prehnite's properties?

With a hardness of between 6 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale, this green stone combines strength and softness, making it ideal for the creation of a wide range of jewelry. Its density of between 2.80 and 2.95 g/cm³ gives it a delicate, light presence, ideal for everyday wear.

Where is prehnite found?

Prehnite deposits are found all over the world. It is found in South Africa, Australia, India, Scotland, Switzerland, France, Italy, Mali, Spain, China and the United States.

What are the benefits of Prehnite?

In lithotherapy, prehnite is considered a stone of healing and protection. It is said to promote serenity, reduce worry and calm the mind. It is also associated with improved intuition and enhanced premonition abilities. It is said to bring an optimistic state of mind.
It is believed to promote emotional healing, strengthen the connection with nature and encourage a harmonious relationship with the environment and beings around us.

What is the prehnite chakra? This natural stone is often associated with the heart chakra, the fourth chakra, linked to love, empathy, compassion, inner peace and acceptance of self and others.

It's the ideal stone for the astrological signs Leo, Virgo, Libra and Sagittarius.

Please note: our gemstones are not sold for lithotherapy. Natural stones are no substitute for medical expertise or treatment.

How do I recharge Prehnite?

To maintain your prehnite and enable it to retain all its splendor and virtues, we recommend cleaning, purifying and recharging it regularly.
Clean it gently withdistilled water (especially not tap water) or purify it withnatural incense such as white sage.
To recharge it, use the gentle light of the moon to revitalize its energies. Place it on a quartz geode to amplify the ritual.

How to use Prehnite

Prehnite blends harmoniously with cool-toned metals such as 925 Silver, Stainless Steel, or warm-toned metals like Gold Filled or Gold Plated, emphasizing its natural luminosity.
It can be combined with other stones to create jewelry symbolizing balance and harmony, such asamethyst for spirituality or rose quartz for love.