When you think of the color green, you often picture lush forests. This calming lushness of nature is mimicked in many beautiful green crystals. In this article, we’ll dive into these green beauties and explore what makes them so special.

Light green crystals are like the first leaves of spring, fresh and full of life. There are also dark green crystals that are like deep forests, mysterious and full of secrets.

Both light and dark green crystals have their own stories that are worth knowing about. Whether you’re a budding rockhound or just curious about the natural world, you’re in for a green and glorious adventure!

Our Favorite Green Crystals

On top of our list of the most lush green crystals out there are our favorites. Bursting with shades of rich green, these are probably the first crystals that will come to your mind when you hear this color.

Jade

Jade’s history goes back to ancient civilizations like the Chinese, who started using it over 5,000 years ago. In fact, they value it more than gold.

The Māori of New Zealand also prized jade crystals, crafting them into tools and sacred objects.

The price of jade isn’t just based on its beauty; it’s also because of its durability and the skill needed to carve it.

Its toughness means it lasts a long time, adding to its value. People also believe jade crystals bring good luck and health. Today, it remains a symbol of elegance and cultural importance.

Emerald

Emerald, with its rich green color, has been cherished for over 4,000 years. Ancient Egyptians mined it as early as 1500 BCE, and Cleopatra was known for her love of this precious gem.

Throughout history, emerald has symbolized power, wealth, and beauty, often gracing the crowns and jewelry of royalty. It’s particularly valued for its rarity and vibrant color, which sets it apart from other gemstones.

Emerald’s value also comes from its perceived healing properties, believed to bring harmony and wisdom.

Today, this stunning green crystal is sought after for high-end jewelry, making it a symbol of elegance and prestige.

Alexandrite

Alexandrite was discovered in Russia in the 1830s. It’s famous for its remarkable color-changing ability, appearing green in daylight and red in artificial light.

This unique feature is what primarily drives the worth of alexandrite, making it highly sought after by collectors and jewelers.

Initially, it was popular in Russia, as it mirrored the national military colors. Over time, its rarity and the skill needed to cut it have added to its value.

People also admire alexandrite for its symbolic representation of balance and change, making it a unique and treasured gem in various cultures.

Tsavorite

Tsavorite was discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. It’s part of the garnet family, known for its bright, rich color and clarity.

This green crystal quickly became popular because of its similarity to emeralds but with greater durability and without the inclusions emeralds often have.

This gem is rare because it’s found only in small deposits in Tanzania and Kenya, making it unique and more sought-after.

Tsavorite is valued for its striking green color, which ranges from a light, fresh green to a deep, intense forest green. It’s a favorite in jewelry, adding a touch of elegance and color to rings, necklaces, and earrings.

Chrome Tourmaline

Chrome tourmaline is a rare variety of tourmaline. It belongs to our favorites because it stands out with its rich, intense green color.

This deep green hue comes from chromium and vanadium in its structure. It was discovered in the 1960s in East Africa, where the most significant deposits are found.

Chrome tourmaline is valued for its vivid color, which can rival the finest emeralds. This rarity and exceptional color make it highly sought after in the gemstone market.

It’s often used in high-end jewelry, where its striking green adds a touch of luxury and elegance.

Demantoid

Demantoid is a type of green garnet first discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the 1860s. Its name, meaning “diamond-like,” comes from its incredible brilliance and fire, which can even surpass that of diamonds.

Demantoid quickly became a favorite in Russian jewelry, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries, adorning many royal and aristocratic pieces.

It’s particularly valued for its vibrant green color, which ranges from a light, grassy hue to a deep, rich green.

The presence of fine, hair-like inclusions, known as horsetails, adds to its uniqueness and appeal.

Dark Green Crystals

Not all green crystals are created equal— some have deeper, richer hues. Let’s explore these dark green crystals and discover the secrets they hold within their rich colors.

Malachite

With its striking green bands and swirls, malachite has been treasured since ancient times. The Egyptians used it as early as 3000 BCE for ornaments and pigments.

The value of malachite comes from its distinctive appearance, often with a dark, almost black-green hue.

Its unique banded patterns make it popular for jewelry and decorative items. It’s also known for its believed protective qualities, historically thought to ward off negative energies.

Malachite’s appeal as a dark green crystal lies in its natural beauty and the artistic touch it brings to both jewelry and decorative arts.

Bloodstone

Bloodstone, known as heliotrope, is a dark green jasper dotted with bright red spots of iron oxide. This striking appearance has fascinated people since ancient times.

In the past, warriors often carried bloodstone amulets, believing they had the power to stop bleeding and heal wounds.

Its deep green color with red flecks symbolized courage and strength, making it a favorite among soldiers.

Bloodstone was also carved into seals and amulets, prized for its unique look and supposed healing properties. Its value comes from both its distinctive beauty and the historical beliefs surrounding its protective and healing powers.

Moldavite

Moldavite is a rare, olive-green crystal formed from a meteorite impact nearly 15 million years ago in what is now the Czech Republic.

Its origin gives it an otherworldly appeal, making it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

In history, moldavite is another dark green crystal that was used in tools and talismans, believed to have mystical properties.

Its unique texture and rich color, along with its cosmic origins, contribute to its value. It’s often used in jewelry, where its distinctive appearance makes for eye-catching pieces.

Aventurine

Aventurine is a form of quartz that sparkles with tiny inclusions of minerals, often giving it a shimmering or glistening effect known as aventurescence. Its most common color is green.

The name aventurine comes from the Italian “a ventura,” meaning “by chance,” referring to the discovery of this shimmering stone.

Aventurine’s value is linked to its unique sparkle. It’s often cut into cabochons or beads to enhance its glittering effect.

Historically, it has been used in a variety of decorative objects and jewelry. It’s also believed to bring good luck, adding to its appeal.

Epidote

Epidote is a unique mineral known for its deep green color, often found intergrown with other minerals. It was first described in 1801 and has since been discovered in various locations worldwide.

Traditionally, epidote wasn’t used much in jewelry due to its typical form, but its distinct, pistachio dark green hue has always been admired.

The value of epidote lies in its interesting crystal shapes and its ability to enhance the appearance of the minerals it grows with.

Collectors and mineral enthusiasts appreciate it for its aesthetic qualities and the way it forms intricate, beautiful patterns with other minerals.

Dioptase

Dioptase is a strikingly vibrant dark green crystal that was first discovered in Kazakhstan. Its rich color quickly caught people’s attention.

Unlike many other gems, dioptase isn’t widely used in jewelry due to its softness, but it’s highly valued by mineral collectors for its color and rarity.

Historically, dioptase was sometimes mistaken for emeralds, but it’s actually quite different in composition.

The intense green of dioptase, along with its glassy luster, makes it a standout in any mineral collection. Its rarity and stunning visual appeal are what make it so special and sought after.

Verdelite

Verdelite is a striking green variety of tourmaline, cherished for its range of green shades, from grassy hues to deep, forest greens.

It was discovered in the 1800s and quickly gained popularity for its vibrant color and versatility in jewelry making.

Verdelite can be found in various parts of the world, each location giving it a slightly different shade.

This crystal’s value comes from its rich color and clarity. It’s often cut into faceted stones to enhance its natural sparkle, adding elegance and beauty to rings, necklaces, and other pieces of jewelry.

Light Green Crystals

If we have dark green crystals, we certainly have light green crystals, too.

The gentle hue of these natural wonders can light up any collection. Ranging from soft, almost transparent greens to brighter lime shades, these crystals are as interesting as they are beautiful.

Peridot

Peridot, known for its vibrant olive to lime green color, has a history stretching back to ancient Egypt, around 1500 BCE. Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun,” mining it on an island in the Red Sea.

Peridot’s value comes from its unique color, which doesn’t change under artificial light, a rare trait among gemstones.

It was often used in jewelry and amulets, believed to ward off evil spirits. The Romans also treasured peridot, using it in various adornments.

Its distinct shade and history of being associated with protection and beauty make peridot a timeless and cherished light green crystal.

Prehnite

First discovered in South Africa in the 18th century, prehnite has a soft, dreamy green color. It was named after Colonel Hendrik Von Prehn, who first brought it to the attention of mineralogists.

Unlike most gems, prehnite is prized more for its unique, translucent quality and subtle beauty rather than high brilliance or clarity.

It’s often used in cabochon form in jewelry, showcasing its gentle, calming hue.

Prehnite’s value lies in its soft, serene appearance and its association with healing and meditation. Its pastel green color and glassy luster have made it a favorite for its understated elegance.

Serpentine

Known for its smooth, waxy look and green to yellow-green colors, serpentine has been used since ancient times. Its name comes from its similarity to a snake’s skin.

It’s found in many parts of the world and has been used in decorative arts, architecture, and sculpture.

Serpentine is valued for its versatility and ease of carving, making it a popular choice for ornamental stonework. Its unique texture and color patterns give it a distinctive appearance.

In history, it was believed to protect against venomous creatures. Its allure lies in its aesthetic appeal and its historical use in various cultures.

Chrysoprase

Known for its captivating apple-green color, chrysoprase is a variety of chalcedony that has been used in jewelry and ornamental designs for centuries.

It was especially popular in ancient Greece and Rome, adorning everything from jewelry to seals.

The appeal of chrysoprase lies in its vibrant color, which can range from pale to a rich, deep green hue. This color comes from small amounts of nickel in the stone.

Historically, it was believed to bring good fortune and health, adding to its value. Today, chrysoprase is cherished for its unique color and rarity, making it a prized choice for unique, stylish jewelry pieces.

Prasiolite

Prasiolite, also known as green amethyst, is a rare light green quartz. It was not widely known until recently, mainly because it’s rarely found in nature.

Most prasiolite seen today is heat-treated amethyst, which brings out its soft green hue.

This light green crystal is valued for its subtle and soothing green color, offering a unique alternative to the more common purple amethyst. It’s used mainly in jewelry, where it adds an elegant, understated touch.

Prasiolite’s appeal lies in its rarity as a naturally occurring stone and its gentle, calming appearance.

Adamite

Adamite is known for its colors, ranging from yellow to light green and even blue. Discovered in the 19th century, it was named after the French mineralogist Gilbert-Joseph Adam.

Adamite forms in oxidation zones of zinc and arsenic-rich deposits, making it relatively rare. Its bright, fluorescent colors under UV light make it really interesting.

This light green crystal isn’t typically used in jewelry due to its softness, but its value comes from its unique, vivid hues and fluorescence.

Collectors and enthusiasts treasure adamite for its aesthetic appeal, making it a prized specimen in mineral collections for its beauty and rarity.