Green gemstones have always had a fascinating colour. People all over the world love green gemstones for numerous reasons. For one, it represents sophistication and elegance. Secondly, green symbolises life and renewal. It’s also attached to a feeling of fresh energy and reminds us of nature. When it comes to the psychology of the colour, many find it to be incredibly soothing, as the brain associates the colour with being outdoors.
Over and above all of that, green gemstones represent the biggest number of choices of coloured gemstones. Furthermore, certain green gemstones rank amongst the top rarest and expensive stones that one can add to their collection.
While not all stones are formed in the same way, it’s thought that green gemstones are so coloured due to traces of chromium, vanadium or iron being present while forming.
While most of us are all naturally drawn to green, there also happens to be over 100 different kinds of green gemstones. All of them range in shades, price and features. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular stones that glitter in green.
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Emerald
Of all the precious green gemstones, emeralds are undoubtedly the most popular. They’ve been used for centuries already, with the famed Egyptian Queen Cleopatra well-known for wearing them. Emeralds were also often used in burial rituals in Egypt, as mummies have been found entombed with emeralds for them to take into the afterlife.
Emeralds are a member of the beryl family of gemstones. Like many other precious stones, the biggest factor that can affect the value of an emerald is the depth of its colour. The more intense and the more vivid the colour of the stone, the more valuable it will be. However, almost every emerald contains some kind of inclusions, most of which can be likened to moss-like threads. These are named ‘jardin’, after the French word for garden. Finding a clean-cut emerald without any inclusions is incredibly rare.
It’s not uncommon for emeralds to be treated and fractures filled to deepen the colour and increase the stability of the stone. Because of the inclusions, the stone can often be weakened, making it vulnerable to chips and cracks. As a result, jewellers don’t advise that emeralds be used in jewellery that requires high durability, such as rings. Instead, opting for emeralds in earrings or necklaces is encouraged.
Emerald meaning & properties
Historically, Ancient Romans and Greeks dedicated emerald to Venus, the goddess of love. They believed it would protect lovers from unfaithfulness. Drawing from these ancient beliefs, today emerald is seen as a symbol of eternal love, making it a popular choice for engagement and wedding rings.
In terms of healing properties, emeralds are known to heal emotion love and the physical heart.
Special occasions:
- May birthstone
- 55th wedding anniversary gemstone
Peridot
Peridot is a fascinating gemstone because they’re formed in the most unique ways. They have been known to fall from the sky!
Peridots are formed in volcanoes, and when one erupts, it can shoot peridots high up into the air before they fall to the ground. Hawaii has one of the world’s biggest supplies of peridot, owing to the volcanic lava that almost constantly flows around the island
Other peridots have even come from outer space and were discovered in Pallasite meteorites.
The largest peridot stone ever found was on Zagbargad Island in Egypt. It weighed in at 311.78 carats, or 62.35 grams. The peridot has since been moved to the USA’s Smithsonian Museum. Another notable peridot stone is kept in Moscow, Russia at the Diamond Treasury. This beauty weighs in at 192.75 carats. Rounding off the world’s biggest peridot stones is London’s Geological Museum, where a 146-carat peridot is proudly kept.
Peridots can range in colour, and just like emeralds, are more valuable based on the depth of how green they are. However, peridots with yellow tinges are also commonly found. Despite the incredible way that they are formed, peridots are quite an affordable gemstone. However, this could be because they’re not very durable and need to be cared for with much caution. Peridots are incredibly sensitive to acid and rapid temperature changes too.
Special occasions:
- August birthstone
- 16th wedding anniversary gemstone
Peridot meaning & properties
Ancient Egyptians called peridots ‘the gem of the sun’ and believed that the gemstone had mystical healing powers. Ancient Romans also valued the dazzling green stone, nicknaming it the “emerald of the evening” because its shine stays in the same in any light. Peridots are said to bring good health, restful sleep and peacefulness. It’s also associated with compassion, opening your heart to new relationships.
Green Sapphire
While sapphires are best known for being blue, like several other gemstones, they come in a variety of colours, including green. Green stones very rarely reach full saturation of colours, but sapphires do, and are amongst the world’s most durable gemstones. This is why sapphires, both blue and green, are often used in jewellery that’s prone to being bumped, such as rings.
The colour spectrum of green sapphires is quite varied. They can be found in naturally occurring hues that include mint green, olive green and yellow green. As is the case with almost every gemstone, a pure, grass green is much harder to find. However, owing to the fact that pure blue sapphires are more highly sought after, the green ones are more affordable.
Green sapphire meaning & properties
In some cultures, it’s believed that green sapphires correspond to the heart chakra, which influences prosperity and nature. They are often used to bring about good luck, particularly in terms of money and a sense of abundance. Another belief is that green sapphires can help heal a broken heart, or even help you find true love!
In the Middle Ages, sapphires were believed to be able to protect loved ones from harm and represented a sense of loyalty and trust.
Special occasions:
- September modern birthstone
- 45th wedding anniversary gemstone
Jade
Another incredibly popular green gemstone is jade. Prized and held in high esteem in certain parts of Asia, it’s believed that the stone was used as far back as 7000 years ago in China.
Jade comes in two different varieties. The first is jadeite, which is considered to be more valuable and of a higher quality. Jadeite is most commonly used in fine jewellery. On the other hand, there is the nephrite variation of jade. While lower in cost, nephrite can be found in much larger quantities. Nephrite jade is often used to carve beautiful sculptures, statues and fountains.
While jade can be considered a fairly soft stone, it’s also very tough due to how compact its composition is. In fact, it’s so tough that it cannot be broken with a hammer. Most jade is cut into cabochons or other smooth cuts or is carved. While uncommon, some gemologists prefer to facet jade as it can give the stone an added brilliance.
One thing to note that makes jade even more different from other gemstones is that when heavily treated, it has very low durability. This is usually a trait of poor quality of gems, but in jade’s case, it’s due to the stone’s composition and has no bearing on the quality thereof.
Jade meaning & properties
Jade is widely considered to be a symbol of purity and tranquillity. As a protective stone, it keeps the wearer away from harm and is believed to bring luck, peace, friendship and harmony. Interestingly, jade is known for its musical properties. When struck, it rings just like a bell.
Fun fact: Due to the high cost of jade, another stone named maw sit sit is often used instead. This green stone boasts fairly bright hues due to trace levels of chromium and often has black inclusions. It looks very similar to jade and contains a bit of jadeite. Maw sit sit is often available at just a fraction of the price of jade, making it an excellent alternative.
Special occasions:
- August birthstone
- 19th wedding anniversary gemstone
Green Diamond
They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but if we’re being honest, diamonds can be anybody’s best friend!
It’s no secret that these stones are highly sought after. They come in a variety of colours, including green. Coloured diamonds are rare, as their colours are determined by the chemicals present during their formation.
Green is one of the rarest colours of natural diamonds. The colour is a result of hydrogen, nitrogen and nickel in the diamond’s crystal structure. Green diamonds can also be formed from defects in the gem’s structure caused by irradiation as the diamond forms underground.
As a means of making green diamonds more affordable, irradiation treatments are becoming more popular. Because naturally green diamonds are so rare, jewellers have taken to the treatment as a means to create greater depth and colour in a lab. These lessen the prices significantly and make for a jewel that is just as beautiful as a natural one would be.
Green diamond meaning & properties
Green diamonds are a symbol of the qualities associated with the colour green – abundance, prosperity and success. Its healing properties include relaxation, peace and growth. They are seen as a sign of new beginnings, and are a great choice for those looking for a valuable gemstone associated with nature. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that diamonds could have been tears cried by the Gods or splinters from falling stars.
Did you know:
- Green diamonds are believed to be up to 3 billion years old when they are discovered.
- Synthetic diamonds created in laboratories are becoming increasingly popular. This is not just due to the fact that they are cheaper to produce, but also because approximately 250 tons of earth is mined just to produce a single, one-carat diamond.
- The biggest diamond ever found was in South Africa in 1905. It was named the Cullinan diamond and weighed in at a whopping 3106 carats. It was then cut down into nine smaller diamonds, three of which can be viewed at the Tower of London as part of the Crown jewels.
Special occasions:
- Diamond is the 60th wedding anniversary gemstone. It’s also known as the Diamond Anniversary.
- April birthstone
Peacock Obsidian
This stunning and mysterious gemstone has been gaining popularity in the world of crystals and metaphysical healing. But what exactly is peacock obsidian and what powers does it hold?
Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that has been used for thousands of years for its beauty and spiritual properties. Peacock obsidian, in particular, is known for its unique iridescent sheen and coloration that resembles the feathers of a peacock. This gemstone is believed to possess powerful energy that can help in emotional healing and spiritual growth.
Green Obsidian
Green Obsidian, also known as Gaia Stone or Glass, is a type of volcanic glass. Its vivid green hue is derived from the presence of various minerals such as iron and magnesium within its composition. Unlike crystalline minerals, obsidian lacks an ordered atomic structure, resulting in its smooth, glassy texture.
Formed during volcanic eruptions, Green Obsidian emerges when molten lava cools rapidly on the Earth’s surface, preventing the crystallization process. This rapid cooling prohibits the formation of mineral crystals, resulting in the smooth, non-crystalline structure characteristic of obsidian. Over time, the interaction with environmental elements, such as water and air, can influence its color and appearance.
Metaphysical Properties
Beyond its geological origins, Green Obsidian is revered for its purported metaphysical properties. Believed by some to possess a potent energy, it is associated with healing, renewal, and the balance of mind, body, and spirit. As a stone of the heart chakra, it is said to promote emotional healing, compassion, and self-acceptance.
In the realm of spirituality and holistic healing, Green Obsidian finds various applications. Some practitioners use it for meditation, believing it enhances spiritual growth and insight. It is also utilized in energy work, where it is thought to absorb negative energies and promote a sense of harmony and vitality.
Green Labradorite
Green labradorite, a captivating gemstone renowned for its iridescent play of colors, originates from the feldspar mineral group, particularly the plagioclase series.
Its vibrant green hues, often accompanied by flashes of blue, gold, and red, arise from a phenomenon known as labradorescence, which occurs due to the presence of microscopic lamellae within the crystal structure. These lamellae interact with light, diffracting it into spectral colors and creating the captivating visual effect that distinguishes green labradorite from other gemstones.
Metaphysical Properties
Green labradorite possesses a myriad of metaphysical properties, captivating enthusiasts seeking spiritual enlightenment. Revered for enhancing intuition and psychic abilities, it acts as a protective shield against negativity. Stimulating the third eye chakra, it aids in inner exploration and connection with higher consciousness.
In meditation, green labradorite’s serene energies quiet the mind, facilitating spiritual experiences. Believers attest to its role in communication with spirit guides and ancestors, enhancing spiritual understanding. Beyond metaphysics, it is prized in jewelry for its beauty and symbolism, representing protection, intuition, and transformation.
Chrome Diopside
Chrome Diopside, a stunning gemstone, is a mineral belonging to the pyroxene group. Its captivating green color, ranging from deep forest hues to vibrant emerald shades, sets it apart in the world of gemstones.
This gemstone forms deep within the Earth’s mantle, where high temperatures and pressures facilitate its creation. Chrome Diopside typically crystallizes in igneous rocks, such as kimberlites and peridotites, often alongside diamonds.
Composed primarily of calcium magnesium silicate with the addition of chromium, Chrome Diopside derives its mesmerizing green color from the presence of chromium ions within its crystal structure.
Metaphysical Properties and Uses
Beyond its physical allure, Chrome Diopside is believed to possess metaphysical properties that resonate with spiritual seekers and gemstone enthusiasts alike.
Many attribute Chrome Diopside with properties of renewal and rejuvenation, connecting it to the lushness of nature and the vitality of growth. It is often associated with the heart chakra, fostering feelings of love, compassion, and emotional balance.
In the realm of healing, Chrome Diopside is believed to aid in physical ailments related to the heart, lungs, and circulatory system. It is also thought to promote mental clarity and spiritual awakening, helping individuals align with their higher purpose.
As a gemstone, Chrome Diopside finds various uses in jewelry, particularly in pieces designed to evoke a sense of natural beauty and vitality. Its rich green color complements both silver and gold settings, making it a versatile choice for rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets.
Green Calcite
Green Calcite, scientifically known as calcium carbonate, belongs to the calcite mineral group. It forms through the gradual precipitation of calcium carbonate from dissolved mineral-rich waters. This process occurs primarily in limestone caves, where groundwater laden with dissolved minerals percolates through the earth, depositing calcite crystals over millennia.
The mesmerizing green coloration of Green Calcite owes its existence to traces of various elements, most notably iron. As the calcite crystal lattice forms, iron impurities infiltrate the structure, imparting the vibrant green hues that distinguish this mineral.
Metaphysical Properties and Uses
Beyond its geological origins, Green Calcite is revered in metaphysical circles for its purported healing properties and spiritual significance. Believers attribute a myriad of virtues to this enigmatic gemstone, ranging from promoting emotional balance to facilitating inner peace and tranquility.
It is believed that Green Calcite resonates with the heart chakra, fostering a deep connection with nature and promoting feelings of compassion and empathy. As a stone of renewal and rejuvenation, it is said to cleanse negative energies and instill a sense of vitality and optimism in its bearer.
In the realm of alternative therapies and holistic practices, Green Calcite finds diverse applications. Crystal healers often incorporate it into their sessions to facilitate emotional release, alleviate stress, and promote mental clarity. Its soothing energy is thought to alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of emotional well-being.
Green Tourmaline: A Gem of Nature’s Art
Green Tourmaline, a fascinating gemstone, paints nature’s canvas with its vivid, verdant hues. This gemstone belongs to a group known as boron silicate minerals, which makes it as intriguing as it is beautiful. It is primarily made from a blend of elements including aluminum, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, or potassium, which contribute to its rich color spectrum—from light, grassy greens to deep, forest greens.
The creation of Green Tourmaline is a masterpiece of geological processes. It forms in environments rich in hot, mineral-laden fluids, often in the cavities of granite or in metamorphic rocks like schist. As these fluids cool, Green Tourmaline crystallizes, capturing the essence of its surroundings in its unique color and form.
Metaphysical Properties
Green Tourmaline is not just a treat for the eyes; it’s also believed to be a stone of rejuvenation and healing. Those who turn to gemstones for their metaphysical properties cherish Green Tourmaline for its purported ability to attract luck, success, and abundance. It’s often called the ‘poet’s stone,’ as it is thought to inspire creativity and to help articulate deep, heartfelt expressions.
Many use it for its believed capabilities to transform negative energy into positive and to foster compassion and patience. It’s also used as a tool in meditation, helping to connect with the natural world and to unlock the heart chakra, encouraging an open and generous heart.
Whether admired for its beauty or sought for its healing properties, Green Tourmaline remains a gem that captures the imagination and soothes the soul.
Where to buy Green Gemstones Online?
There are plenty of places to buy this gem online. From specialty online shops to online giants like Amazon.
Our recommendation is to browse Amazon first to get a sense of prices, variety, and quality. Then do a detailed comparison online. Another specialty retailer is TinyRituals, which only sells gemstones of grade AA or higher.
Chermaine’s journey into the world of gemstones and crystals began as a child, collecting shimmering stones on family vacations. Today, she’s a certified gemologist and spiritual healer, intertwining the physical beauty of jewels with their metaphysical properties.
Chermaine has traveled to mines in Africa, marketplaces in India, and spiritual retreats in Bali, always seeking to deepen her understanding.